Hendrie ponders move options

Lee Hendrie has admitted his future may lie away from the midlands - despite the interest of three clubs in the area - after ending his 13 year career with Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old midfielder is wanted by Leicester, Coventry and Stoke, where he spent much of last season on loan.

Newly-promoted Derby County are also said to be interested.

But Hendrie, who won a single England cap nine years ago under Glenn Hoddle, will select the best option to extend his career and believes he is still capable of playing in the Barclays Premiership.

Hendrie said: "I would love to stay local but now may be the time for me to go somewhere else."I know midlands clubs are interested in me but I want to get the best move for me.

"I would love to play for a Premiership club, or at least a Championship side who are serious about promotion.

"I am still only 30 and have at least another three or four seasons ahead of me - and I want top-flight football.

"I am sad to end my association with Villa. I would have loved to see out my career at the club and been one of those people who played for only one club in their career.

"But this is a new year of changes and challenges ahead of me and I still feel I can make a meaningful contribution to some club."

Hendrie has been granted a testimonial season by Villa, whom he joined as a schoolboy in preference to local rivals Birmingham and Derby.

Martin O'Neill continues to make plans for next season with the Liverpool duo of Craig Bellamy and Harry Kewell and West Ham's Nigel Reo-Coker the latest players to be linked with a move to Villa.

By John Curtis