Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark's future has not been clouded by the arrival of Micah Richards from Manchester City.

West Brom boss Tony Pulis has been linked with a £4million summer swoop for Republic of Ireland defender Clark, who expects to be fit for the start of the season following a knee injury, says the Daily Star Sunday.

But Clark, 25, has no intention of heading to The Hawthorns after being assured he is an integral part of Villa manager Tim Sherwood's long-term plans.

Sherwood made his first signing of the summer last week, snapping up versatile defender Richards, 26.