Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier will attempt to lure Michael Carrick away from Manchester United - despite the midfielder's desire to stay at Old Trafford for the rest of his career.
The Villa Park boss has put a ball-playing midfielder at the top of his shopping list and Carrick fits the bill for the Frenchman.
Carrick was tipped to leave Old Trafford in the summer but a move never materialised.
And despite the interest from Villa, the England international insists he has no intention of leaving United.
Carrick said: 'I have seen some stories suggesting I'd be leaving last summer but I take no notice. It's part of the game.
'I have never thought I was on my way out of United, not for one minute. It has never entered my mind.
'And neither has the manager said anything to me. This is a greatplace to be and results like the one against Valencia make it allworthwhile when you play a part in something like that.
'I have the rest of this season and next season left on my contractand I would like to stay here for the rest of my career. Why would Iwant to go anywhere else?
'It's up to me this season to work hard to earn the right to do thatand to make it a reality. So the aim is to be in the team as often as Ican.'
Back in the game: Carrick played 90 minutes in the vital win over Valencia on Wednesday
Carrick has had a stop-start beginning to the season due injury andhe admits his time on the treatment table has been frustrating.
He said: 'It's never ideal when you are out of the team and since Icame to United I had not had to deal with that situation. I've notdone anything different, you just have to believe in yourself.
'In the past, I've played in the big games and played well, so you draw a lot of confidence from the experiences you have had.
'You have to have big self-belief at the very top level otherwise you'd never survive the knocks.
'You have ups and downs but, if you keep plugging away, hopefully, you will get your reward.
Keen: Houllier wants Carrick at Villa
'I'm no different to any player at United in that I want to beplaying all the time. I have had an achilles problem for a while, butI have had an injection and, thankfully, that has cleared it up.
'It can be difficult because the manager has so much talentavailable in midfield. He's got guys like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggsstill at their peak, and Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Park and Gibson allwant a place in midfield too, so it's competitive.
'To play a full 90 minutes for United in Valencia and be part of a great result was a boost.'
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Source: Daily_Mail
