Bouma staying with Villa

Dutch defender Wilfred Bouma is to remain with Aston Villa after signing a new two-year contract extension with the Premier League club.

Bouma, 30, established himself as the first-choice left back with the Midlands side following the arrival of Martin O’Neill as manager.

He’d previously struggled to secure a first team place after joining Villa in August 2006.

Bouma is currently out of action having sustained a dislocated ankle against Odense in the Intertoto Cup.

Following that injury, O’Neill signed Nicky Shorey from Reading for an undisclosed fee.

Nervertheless, Bouma has earned a new deal, which included an option for a third year.