Carlo Cudicini has informed Chelsea he intends to leave at the end of the season.

The Sun says the Italian keeper, 34, is under contract until 2009 and Chelsea want him to stay. But Cudicini's first choice is a move to Aston Villa.

His agent delivered the news to chief executive Peter Kenyon last week.

A source close to Cudicini said: "There will be another meeting with Chelsea to decide what is best for the club and Carlo.

"There is interest from Aston Villa as well as Manchester City."