Aston Villa are ready to offer a new contract to defender Ciaran Clark reports the Daily Mail.

According to the report, discussions are already underway with the 25-year-old centre-back who made 22 Premier League starts last season.

Manager Tim Sherwood wants the Republic of Ireland international to stay at Villa Park as Ron Vlaar is expected to move on in the summer.

Dutch international Vlaar, who has still not signed a contract extension offered by Villa, has been linked with Manchester United, Southampton, Sunderland and Newcastle United among others.