Barry Bannan is weighing up his options at Aston Villa.

Bannan is now standing at a crossroads in his career. Being a fringe player is no use to him any more.

He told Villa's website: "I have two years left on my Villa deal and I want to stay here.

"If I had it my way then I would be happy to spend all my career at Villa. They have been fantastic for me ever since I was a teenager and moved down to join the academy.

"I'm aware I'm at a stage in my career when I need to play.

"It's not really helping me playing 15 or 16 games a season and dipping in and out of the team.

"Once a new manager comes in and I work through pre-season and get to the start of the season I'll have a better idea of where I stand."