Martin O'Neill keen for Wilfred Bouma to stay at Aston Villa

Jan 17 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill has calmed fears that Villa might lose Wilfred Bouma back to his former club PSV Eindhoven.

The Dutch press are reporting that caretaker coach Sef Vergoossen wants to strengthen his defence this month and is keen on Bouma and Blackburn's Andre Ooijer.

Furthermore, PSV football chief Stan Valckx was said to be in England over the weekend.

But O'Neill, who has until the end of April to taken up a one-year extension on the left-back, insists talks are set to take place.

"We have an option for another year and I will speak to Wilfred about that. There are no worries with that one," said O'Neill.

Meanwhile, Stephen O'Halloran has joined Southampton on a month's loan.

The Republic of Ireland international could make his debut for the Saints at Plymouth on Saturday.

O'Halloran has been allowed to play in Southampton's FA Cup game against Bury.