New Aston Villa manager David O'Leary today spoke of his desire to keep striker Darius Vassell at the club on a long-term basis.
Vassell has still to sign a new deal even though talks initially got under way 15 months ago before he joined up with England for the 2002 World Cup finals.
The 23-year-old has only 12 months left of his current deal but O'Leary is hoping that he can persuade the player to remain at Villa.
O'Leary said: "I want Darius to stay here. The contract situation is an on-going thing since last year. I am just hoping when I see him that I say 'This is me' and he will sign.
"I am sure players are checking out what I am like. I know they have been checking with the Leeds United lads to see what I am like.
"I think he knows if he comes he will enjoy the training and the atmosphere of the place but at the end of the day his agents have a figure and it's been discussed with the club," O'Leary said.
"But I do want him to stay. Of course I've got to see if he can fit in like anybody else to the plan of the way I want to play".