Martin O'Neill keen to seal Wilfred Bouma deal

Mar 22 2008 By Bill Howell

MARTIN O'Neill has reiterated his desire to sort out Wilfred Bouma's new contract - and is unconcerned by a five-week timescale to get the deal done.

The Dutch defender's existing deal expires in the summer, but Villa have a further one-year option that they can take up.

The club have until the end of April to inform Bouma of their intentions or he will be able to leave on a free.

But O'Neill has indicated he is keen to retain his services.

And the former PSV Eindhoven player, signed for £3.5million in August 2005, is keen to stay with Villa.

"I just haven't had a chance to sit around a table with him," said O'Neill. "It doesn't matter whether there's a month or three minutes to go (on his option).

"He's done very well and I will get round to sorting it out. But I really do need to talk to Wilfred first about it."

Meanwhile, Wayne Routledge - who has not been near the first team since his January move from Spurs - could be edging closer to a call-up.

O'Neill added: "Routledge is shaping up. He's doing well in training.

"But it's a battle to get into the side - Moustapha Salifou is doing fine and it's a pity we didn't have a reserve game this week because the Fulham game was called off."