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Andreas Weimann has told Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert he wants to tie up his future at the club within the next few weeks.

The 21-year-old whose goals have helped keep the club in the Premier League is going into the final year of his current deal but last night spelled out just why he’s so confident about the future.

The Villans expect the Austrian striker to be the first of ­several players to sign new c­ontracts – including top scorer Christian Benteke – as Lambert aims to kick-on with his emerging young side.

After fighting relegation for most of the season Villa could end up as high as 11th if they win at Wigan today where more than 4,000 fans will ­follow them in party mood.

And Weimann, who has been with the club since he left his home in ­Vienna as a 16-year-old, said: “What the gaffer is building here we all ­believe in and we just have to continue working hard for him and each other.

“I think that’s what Aston Villa is about. It’s a family club.

“We’re growing and getting better all the time, and I think there’s a lot of potential in the team right now because as players we’re only going to get better.

“Like I said, the spirit and belief within the squad and within the club is really good.

(Image: AFP)

“It’s really exciting for everyone, it’s exciting for the players, it’s exciting for the fans and it’s exciting for the club.

“The club is very tight-knit. A ­couple of weeks ago the chairman was here watching training, chatting to the manager and the lads and that’s the way we are, everybody very close.

“I’ve been here for six years now and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Music to the ears of Villa fans who have watched the club lose a star player almost every summer since Gareth Barry walked out to join Manchester City in 2009.

Weimann still has to agree terms, and his agent has hinted that other clubs are ready to make offers, but Villa are confident a deal will be done.

Lambert said: “Andi has been ­exceptional. He is a natural finisher who knows where the goal is, but his work-rate is second to none.

“That was the thing that struck me when I came here and first started working with him. He has a natural hunger and desire to get better and that can take you a long way.

“Success doesn’t go to his head; money wouldn’t go to his head.

“Whatever happens you are always going to get the same player with the same drive and ambition.”

Lambert is aiming to add more raw talent to his squad this summer and said: “We have got a list of names in our head to improve things. The squad is really light and we have to build. We have to create more ­competition.”