VIDEO: Villa boss keen to keep Tom Cleverley

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood is keen to sign Tom Cleverley on a permanent deal this summer.

The Manchester United midfielder has spent the season on loan at Villa Park and any switch would be dependent on the claret and blues remaining in the Premier League.

Everton have also been linked with a move for the £7million-rated 25-year-old, but Sherwood is keen to talk once safety is secured.

Villa are currently four points clear of the relegation zone, with four games to play, and visit champions Manchester City tomorrow.

He said: "We are certainly interested in talking to Tom when the time is right, but we are willing to put it on the back burner.

"The players know how important it is for us to stay in the Premier League. After all, Tom would not want to play in the Championship.

"If we stay up? I think there is a good chance we will try and do a deal and see if it is right for both parties."

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Cleverley came in for criticism from supporters during the first half of the campaign as Villa struggled.

But since Sherwood replaced Paul Lambert in February, his performances have steadily improved, to the point the manager now claims he is one of the first names on the team sheet.

Sherwood: "I have been pleased with Tom. I like him, I like what he adds to the side. He has a lot of energy and gets back round to goal side and links the ball very well."

The Villa manager has also believes Cleverley, who is yet to open his account for the club, can be a goal threat.

He said: "I think he can add goals to his game. That is a natural progression for him now. He is certainly one of the names I put on the team sheet straight away."