Darius Vassell will reopen contract talks with Aston Villa later this year, it was confirmed today.
Initial talks with the 22-year-old England striker failed to agree a new deal. Vassell has less than two years left on his current contract.
Villa manager Graham Taylor said: "It was decided to leave it so that we could get the season going. They [Vassell and the club] were a little bit apart, but there was no animosity at all. We are just going to give it two or three months".
Vassell is facing a battle to be fit to face Birmingham City in Monday's local derby clash at St Andrew's.
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He missed last night's 2-0 win over Charlton Athletic at Villa Park with a hamstring strain and will need a fitness test before the clash with Birmingham.
PA