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Tom Cleverley hints at Aston Villa stay

Tom Cleverley of Aston Villa celebrates
Image: Tom Cleverley says he is happy playing at Aston Villa

Tom Cleverley has dropped the biggest hint yet he is ready to stay at Aston Villa and insisted money will not sway his decision.

The on-loan Manchester United midfielder scored his third goal in as many games against West Ham on Saturday and he has earned plaudits for helping haul Villa away from the Premier League relegation zone.

Cleverly is a free agent in the summer and he has been linked with Everton - who missed out on his signature last year - but the 25-year-old admits he could be ready to stay in Birmingham.

He said: "I don't think any Premier League players are going to be short of a quid or two. You have just got to be happy first of all.

"And I am at this club, so let's see where we go from there. I think first and foremost you have to be playing at a club where you fit in.

"Where you're playing in the position where you want to play and where you like the manager, the lads, this club ticks those boxes.

"We'll just see what happens but first the club have got to offer me something. Those talks haven't taken place yet. I just know my contract runs out on June 30 at Man United, that's my position."

Cleverley appears to have little future at Old Trafford - he struggled to land a regular role, playing 79 games in seven years.

A petition was also drawn up by fans last year to call for him to be banned from England's World Cup squad, although he missed out of the final 23 regardless.

But, despite his critics, Cleverley believes he has overcome his own doubts and can return to his best.

He said: "All players have doubts when they're having a not so good patch. I'm no different, but I've got my head down and worked hard.

"With the help of the lads and the new manager I can get back to my best.

"I feel in the last 10-12 games I'm getting back to what I know I can do, that always helps when you're playing every week in a winning team."

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