The left-sided midfield player has been one of Villa’s most consistent performers this term, impressing in an otherwise disappointing run-in, leading to reports linking him with a summer move to join Greame Souness at Newcastle United. But the 24-year-old has vowed to focus on getting Villa back into Europe after a troubled season which has failed to scale the heights of last term.
“I signed my contract to play at Villa,” he told the club’s official website. “It’s another confidence booster if clubs like Newcastle are showing an interest. How true it is, I’m not sure. If there’s anything in it I’ll be the last to hear. I signed the contract at Villa to play European football. This year has gone but there are rumours of money being there to get new players in, hopefully that can bolster us and turn us into challengers.”