England striker Darius Vassell has ended speculation over his future by signing a new three-year contract at Aston Villa.
Vassell was in the last year of his previous deal, meaning he would have been able to walk away from Villa Park for free at the end of the season. But he has finally accepted a new offer, signing a contract which keeps him at Villa until 2006.
Vassell revealed he was delighted to commit his future to Villa, and set his sights on scoring the goals which can help David O'Leary's side improve on their dismal 16th place last season.
He told the club's official website: "I'm just pleased to get this sorted out. Now I want to get on with playing for Villa and scoring goals."
Chairman Doug Ellis added on Sky Sports News: "I'm absolutely delighted about Vassell. I hope it will convince people we have a lot of ambition.
"We've been 12 months negotiating this contract. The first offer was in July 2002 and as of Monday this week we actually agreed the terms of a three-year contract which terminates in June 2006.
"It does mean in effect we have signed three internationals in (Thomas) Sorensen, (Gavin) McCann and Vassell.
"I hope it will convince our supporters there's no negativity around as far as this board's concerned."
Ellis revealed he had given Vassell's advisors a take-it-or-leave it final offer earlier this week. He added: "It wasn't convincing Darius - Darius never wanted to talk about contracts, he leaves that to his agent.
"Finally on Monday we said this is the last chance, here's the figure and it's a very good figure. We are satisfied with the contract we have signed and he is very satisfied I'm sure."