Sign up NOW for our daily Villa newsletter direct to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Ciaran Clark is expected to sign a new long-term deal at Aston Villa next week to ward off unwelcome interest from West Bromwich Albion.

Clark has attracted the attention of neighbours Albion this summer and the Baggies tested Villa's resolve with a bid.

Villa rejected the offer and are ready to get Clark tied down to a new deal after ongoing talks during the summer.

The 25-year-old's contract runs out in June 2016 and Tim Sherwood does not want to risk losing a valued team member.

Clark was one of the star performers of last season, despite a knee problem ending the Irish international's campaign early.

Ironically, he was only given his chance because of injuries to other players, but with that opportunity he thrived.

The centre half was considering asking for a loan move towards the end of 2014 as former boss Paul Lambert continued to overlook him.

On international duty he was told that if he did not start playing regular games he would lose his spot in the team, but soon after he got his break.

In recent times the academy graduate has matured and is now developing into one of the club’s most valuable players in the heart of defence.

Sherwood’s preferred pairing appears to be Clark and new captain Micah Richards, however, when Jores Okore returns from injury the Dane will provide stern competition.

Should Clark sign, he will become the second defender to extend his deal at Villa Park following Nathan Baker’s four-year pledge on Friday.