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Jores Okore wants to fight for his place at Aston Villa after spurning the advances of clubs on the continent.

The Danish centre-half has been tracked heavily this summer but has told interested parties that he has no plans to move.

Okore is looking forward to a fresh start under new boss Roberto Di Matteo - the man who wanted to sign him for Chelsea before Villa swooped.

And he’s already told friends that he’s looking forward to the pre-season schedule where he will be aiming to further impress the claret and blues’ new boss.

Okore has also drawn a line under his controversial disagreement with former caretaker boss Eric Black last season.

The 23-year-old refused to sit on the bench for a game with Bournemouth after Black has suggested in the build-up that he would start.

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Okore claimed that he wasn’t in the right mental state of mind and was subsequently ordered to train with the U21s for the remainder of the season.

Although he appeared to handle the situation badly, it was a move that came totally out of character.

After all, this is a player who risked his career by postponing a crucial operation in the 2014/15 season in order to help Villa avoid relegation.

Ex-boss Tim Sherwood praised Okore for his actions and was surprised to see the events unfold last term.

In previous interviews Okore has always stressed how desperate he is to play and improve Villa’s fortunes.

And after making just 14 appearances during the fatal 2015/16 campaign he is now determined to win back his place under the new regime.

The stopper, signed for £4million from Nordsjaelland in 2013, has offers on the table from clubs in Italy, Germany and Spain but is expected to stick around for the Championship campaign.

Villa’s first-team return for pre-season training next Wednesday.