Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has revealed new contract talks have begun with midfielder Stiliyan Petrov.

O'Neill said: "I have spoken to Stiliyan's agent and we would be hoping to be speaking (to Petrov) very shortly.

"I spoke to him before we went out to Dubai recently for a training break and we will be having a meeting sometime in the very near future.

"After a difficult start at the football club, Stiliyan was determined to show he could make an impact in the Premier League and he has been excellent for us."