'Stay and become a legend' - Darius Vassell urges Gabby Agbonlahor to spend his career at Aston Villa

The former claret and blue striker insisted Agbonlahor can become their version of Ryan Giggs.

Villa are looking to tie Agbonlahor, the club's record Premier League goalscorer, down to a new four-year deal.

His contract expires at the end of next season and Vassell believes the 27-year-old should emulate one-club man and Manchester United hero Giggs.

He said: "Right now, where Villa are at, they should keep him and he should sign that deal and continue to progress. I don't think there's much else out there for him. Like me he's a home-grown player, loves the club, his family is probably based here so why not be another Giggs? Be the Giggs of Villa.

"He's at that crossroads I was at at a similar stage. I left when I was 24 and you make that decision, 'how am I doing at the club'? Gabby is doing well and you know what you're going to get from him each season."

Agbonlahor has scored 79 goals in 315 games for Villa since netting on his debut in the 4-1 defeat to Everton in 2006.

He has only bagged three goals this term ahead of Saturday's visit of Fulham but Vassell insisted he is irreplaceable.

"I don't know how you replace a player like that, it would cost a lot of money which we haven't got now," said Vassell, who scored 45 goals in 193 games for Villa before a £2m move to Manchester City in 2005.

"They need to keep hold of him, look after him and don't neglect him. He's an important player. He works hard and there was a time where he was the focal point in our attack.

"It's hard for him to be that now but don't forget Gabby. There are other good players but he offers things which other players don't have."