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Villa set to block Portsmouth move for Berger

Patrik Berger's hopes of a lucrative return to Portsmouth look set to be dashed by Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who is not keen to lose the Czech play-maker.

Berger has been offered an 18-month deal to reignite his Premier League career after an injury-blighted three years at Villa Park.

He is still recovering from a hamstring injury and has made just five substitute appearances all season, with just four in the league, and not since facing Pompey in early December.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has made contact with O'Neill but has not firmed up an enquiry made last week.

"Portsmouth have not come in for Patrik Berger - Patrik Berger has come in for Patrik Berger," said O'Neill of the agent's role in the possible move back to Fratton Park.

"Portsmouth have still got to make contact with me about wanting to take him officially."

O'Neill says he is in no rush to allow a sale: "Patrik can't go anywhere at the moment because he's injured," he told the Birmingham Mail.

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