Aston Villa have tabled a new contract offer to defender James Collins.

The Daily Mail says Collins has been offered a two-year contract extension by Aston Villa.

The Wales centre-half is in discussion with the club about staying at Villa Park until 2015 after a string of impressive early-season performances for Alex McLeish.

The defender, 28, agreed a four-year deal when Martin O'Neill paid West Ham £5m for his services three seasons ago.

But now McLeish is anxious to protect several of the club's assets for the long-term and has recommended to owner Randy Lerner that Collins should form a cornerstone of his Villa side.