Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill finds reports of a rift with chairman Randy Lerner is "perplexing".

O'Neill was full of praise for the backing he had received from Lerner in spending £80 million on new players during the past four years.

O'Neill, in his statement, said: "In light of ongoing and perplexing reports - despite my efforts to bring clarity to the situation earlier today - I would like to reiterate one or two points which, to me, are essential.

"Every summer, since taking this job at Aston Villa in August 2006, I have sat down and discussed the season in general with my chairman, Randy Lerner, attempting also to formulate plans for how we hope to keep improving the club year on year.

"This summer will be no different."

As regards his future, O'Neill said: "I have a yearly rolling contract and I hope to continue to do a job, the challenges of which I enjoy immensely."