Mellberg off to Juve

Italian giants Juventus have reached a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg at the end of the season on a three-year deal.

"I am very happy with this agreement. "It will be an important experience.

"Now I must finish the season in an Aston Villa shirt but I really cannot wait to come to Juventus," he said

Marin O'Neil insisted that Mellburg would not be sidelined due to his decision.

"Olof's commitment has been excellent and, even if he decides to go in the summer or signs a pre-contract, I would have no qualms about continuing to play him," the Irishman said.

"I recognise this is a very important time of his career and when you get clubs the size of Juventus making enquiries about you then you have to weigh things up.

"He is well aware he is in his last season of his current contract but the total commitment to the cause is there every single week."