[Mighty T.A.L.]

O'Neill ties up Berger

Patrik Berger has agreed a one-year contract extension at Aston Villa, according to his agent.

The Czech midfielder had looked to be on his way out of Villa Park after falling foul of Martin O'Neill's new regime in the Midlands but in the final few months of the season, he won the trust of his manager and was given playing time.

O'Neill has conceded that he has been impressed with the cultured midfielder and a contract offer was duly forthcoming from the Ulsterman.

It had been expected Berger would try his luck in America but it has now come to light that he will, on the contrary, extend his sojourn at Villa for another season at least.

"Patrik has agreed with his manager Martin O'Neill to stay on at Villa," Berger's agent Pavel Paska informed ismfootball.com.

While Berger is to remain at Villa, another midfielder could be heading in the other direction, out of the exit door, after O'Neill conceded Eric Djemba-Djemba may be on his way to Burnley.

The Cameroon international has enjoyed a successful loan spell at Burnley this season and Turf Moor chief Steve Cotterill is keen on making the former Manchester United man's stay in the North West permanent.

"Steve Cotterill has spoken to me very briefly on it," said O'Neill.

"I know that their season has just ended, so I will sit down with Eric and whoever he has working for him at the same time, and discuss it.

"I will think it through."

Source: Skysports