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Grant Holt has hinted he would be open to staying at Aston Villa beyond this season’s loan spell.

The Wigan striker has not yet spoken to Paul Lambert about the prospect of being with the claret and blues next season.

And with all the uncertainty surrounding his own position, it is not likely to be the manager’s most pressing priority.

But Holt has appreciated being back in the Premier League in the past four months and is keeping an open mind about his future.

Wigan could return to the top flight next season after booking a play-off place by heaping more misery on Blues on Tuesday night.

Holt is contracted to the Latics until the summer of 2016 and is due to report back to his parent club after Villa’s final three games.

The 33-year-old targetman has scored one goal in three starts and seven substitute appearances since arriving on loan in mid-January.

Villa will be without top scorer Christian Benteke for at least two months of next season and could be in the market for temporary striking reinforcements.

Asked if there is the possibility of him staying longer, Holt replied: “It’s not a conversation I’ve had with him (Lambert).

“I didn’t have it last week and I won’t have it this week. It’s up to me, in the games left, to play the way I am. I’m a Wigan player and contracted for two years and whatever happens between now and then we’ll see.

“It’s nice to be back and involved in the Premier League. The difference is massive. I’ve been itching for a few weeks. I’ve been working hard and training hard.

“You have to keep on top of it. It’s harder when you’re not playing because you’re not getting the minutes and you’ve got to keep working harder.

“I’ve been in good shape and I’ve just been waiting for my chance.”