Aston Villa have announced that defender Ciaran Clark has signed a new five-year-deal at the club, keeping him at Villa Park until 2020.

Putting to bed any speculation about a potential move away for the centre-back, Villa and Clark will both be pleased that they can enter the season with the situation put to bed.

No move away

There had been rumours that Clark was set to join another Premier League club, with local rivals West Bromwich Albion linked, a shock rumour considering the Irishman rose through Villa's youth ranks. Championship sides were also rumoured to be interested in a deal for the defender, with Middlesbrough and Fullham both linked as a potential destination for Clark.

However, those rumours are now dead in the wind, and Clark commented that he was "thrilled to sign a new contract", and that he always wanted "to continue playing" for the Villans.

Clark looking forward to the new season

He's in line for a start alongside Micah Richards, recently named as the new captain, on Saturday as Villa kick off their Premier League campaign against AFC Bournemouth.

In regards to the new season, Clark admitted that he was "glad" that his contract had been sorted before it began, and told of how "everyone is looking forward to it".

Happy player, happy manager

Tim Sherwood was also delighted with the renewal, adding that it was "great news" and that he's delighted to keep a player who "gives everything for the cause," which the Villa boss explained as being "all you can ask for as a manager".

A struggle with injuries saw him make just 30 appearances last season, meaning he missed the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal. Sherwood described his injury probles as "unlucky", insisting that the club are "pleased to have him here for a long time".

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