Bouma set for contract reward

Wilfred Bouma is set to be rewarded with a new long-term contract to keep him at Villa.

Manager Martin O’Neill wants to extend the 29-year-old Dutchman’s deal beyond the 12-month option the club hold when the left-back’s deal expires this summer.

“The agent came here and I spoke to him and we’re at least taking up the option for a year and we want to extend that further by at least a year,” said O’Neill.

“He’s a good lad and we’re in discussions at this minute.”

Bouma has been impressive this season and, injuries permitting, will complete his ever-present record for the Premier League in the final game at West Ham this Sunday.

O’Neill praised the former PSV defender – a £3.5m arrival in August 2005 – for his consistency after niggling injuries prevented him making the same impact in the two previous seasons.

“Wilfred is pretty happy here, and, with a bit of luck on Sunday, he’ll complete his ever-present season and that’s a big improvement on where he was before with injuries,” added O’Neill.

“Whatever contract we come up with, he will have deserved it. We’re going to have some more discussions at the end of the season.”

Bouma, who turns 30 next month, is now just 13 short of 100 senior games for Villa.

“I’m happy here, we’re all settled. I think my future is here,” he said.