Angel drops Villa hint

Juan Pablo Angel admits he is growing frustrated at a lack of European football at Aston Villa and has said he will answer questions about his future in 12 months time.

Villa fell short of the mark last term as David O'Leary's side only briefly threatened to break into the leading pack before fading away.

Angel, who inked a new four-year deal last summer, claims he is still content in the Midlands but has now stated that he is keen to test his talent on the highest stage.

"When you play in Europe you compete against the best and you get the chance to prove yourself to the rest of Europe and the world,'' said Angel.

"But we haven't done that which is frustrating for the whole team I think.

''It's frustrating for me. When I joined Villa, I wanted us to be in the Uefa Cup.

"Would I like to move on? Well I have three years left of my contract and I would love to have the chance to play in Europe.

''I'm a footballer and you never know. I don't know what's going to happen.

''I will answer questions about my future in 12 months time, though. Let's just see what happens."

Meanwhile, O'Leary is expected to step up his bid to secure Fulham's Steed Malbranque for a fee thought to be in the region of £4 million.

O'Leary is keen for the diminutive Frenchman to add a creative spark to his midfield and could also continue his pursuit of Manchester City stopper Sylvain Distin in the next few days.