Aston Villa boss Roberto di Matteo is desperate to keep hold of Ciaran Clark.

The Express & Star says it's understood Clark has a £5million release clause in his current contract, and the 26-year-old is attracting interest from local rivals.

West Brom head coach Tony Pulis is a long-standing admirer of the Irish international.

Although he is yet to make a bid for the Villa academy product, Pulis is ready to trigger Clark's release clause at the end of the summer if the Baggies require a defender.

Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo knows he needs to trim his large squad, but he's keen to keep Clark.