O'Neill desperate for Mellberg to sign
Mellberg has filled in as a rightback after Aaron Hughes's departure to Fulham and Mark Delaney's retirement
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Friday, 28, Sep 2007 08:58
Martin O'Neill has pleaded with Olof Mellberg to sign a new contract at Aston Villa.
Mellberg, 30, is in the last year of his current deal and can speak with other clubs in January.
The Sweden international has insisted he will not think about his future until the end of the season.
But O'Neill is desperate for Mellberg to sign now and hailed the Swedish international's displays as a makeshift rightback this season.
"The one contract I would like to get sorted out is Olof Mellberg," O'Neill said.
"We are in the throes of doing that. Nothing has been agreed but we are in communication with his agent.
"Olof is playing out of position, although he has played there for his country before, and I am very pleased. He gives us a wee bit more solidity."
"Olof playing at centre-half again is a distinct possibility but he has done very well and has shown a bit of versatility which is good."
O'Neill signed Zat Knight from Fulham and Curtis Davies from West Bromwich Albion, which pushed Mellberg to fullback.
Mellberg has made over 200 league appearances for Villa since signing for £5 million from Racing Santander in 2001.
The Swede is expected to start in Monday's clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.