Enlarge imageLONDON (Reuters) - Sweden defender Olof Mellberg has signed a new four-year deal with Aston Villa, the premier league club says.
The deal ties the 26-year-old centre back, who is Villa’s captain, to the club until June 2008.
Mellberg joined Villa in July 2001 from Spanish club Racing Santander and established himself as a crowd favourite with his rugged tackling.
Under manager David O’Leary Villa have risen to fifth in the premier league with one game of the season left and are favourites to qualify for the UEFA Cup next season.
Mellberg, who will be in Sweden’s squad for Euro 2004 in June, told Villa’s website: "It’s good to sign this deal before the summer. Now I know I have a long-term future at Villa and I can go away with Sweden knowing that my future is here and looking forward to next season.
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"I see a big future for Aston Villa."
Villa’s website also said they were in talks with Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel, defender Gareth Barry and Ecuadorean midfielder Ulises de la Cruz over new deals.
Representatives of German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger are also due to hold talks with Villa officials.
