Talk of Aston Villa being set for a move to sign French goalkeeper Sebastien Frey from Italian club Fiorentina has been played down.

The 30-year-old has been linked with an exit from Florence for much of his five years with La Viola, but his agent expects Frey to stay put for next season, with his current contract having another two years to run.

Carlo Pallavicino recently stated:"I think he will end up staying at Fiorentina. Frey offers security (to the side).

"He is happy in Florence, a place which has become his city. The ambition is there and the club wants to win."

Frey has played nearly 200 times for Fiorentina, having previously enjoyed spells with Parma, Internazionale, Hellas Verona and Cannes.

Meanwhile, Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell has been linked with a summer move to Fulham, having struggled for first-team opportunities at Villa Park.

The 27-year-old joined Villa in the summer of 2008 from Chelsea, but has since made just 34 starts in all competitions.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email