Agbonlahor in line for new Aston Villa deal

Nov 23 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill has dangled the carrot of a potential new contract for Gabby Agbonlahor - which would be his third in three seasons - to keep him away from the clutches of the big clubs.

Agbonlahor has signed new contracts towards the end of the last two seasons and is less than a year into a four-year deal.

But his wages are still far below what some of Villa's stars are earning.

O'Neill says he is unaware of Arsenal's supposed interest in the club's five-goal top scorer, but says his form this season will inevitably attract admirers.

"He has done exceptionally well, he is attracting a lot of attention and we are delighted that he is," he said. "He is playing very well. All sorts of stories like that will obviously follow."

Asked if he would consider handing Agbonlahor yet another new deal at end of season, O'Neill confirmed: "We will revisit every situation that we think merits that."