The big defender says he would love to stay as he can see a good future ahead. He believes that the manager and the players are destined for greatness. That may be true, but he is surely going to be at the heart of it.
Without the Dane, the Claret and Blue may not have enjoyed such a fantastic season. He keeps attackers out at one end and becomes one at the other. Immense doesn't quite cover it.
The question most Villa fans will be asking is just why he hasn't been signed on before now.
O'Neill says it's been tough to get players in because clubs don't want to release them until they have a replacement. It's difficult to get permission to speak to them, he claims. This cannot be used to explain why Laursen is still waiting.
We continously hear that a meeting will take place but how hard can it be to sit down with the player and his agent to thrash out a deal. Money should not be an issue due to Randy's millions and the club must be prepared to pay top dollar to keep monumental Martin.
So come on player and manager alike, get that contract signed. It would be without doubt the most important signing of the transfer window. Let's make sure it's us that makes it and not another club.