Steve Staunton has turned down a lucrative new four-year contract with Aston Villa and is to leave the club.

The Republic of Ireland defender will take advantage of the Bosman ruling to move as a free agent. His former club Liverpool, Totten ham and Blackburn have all been linked with to the Dundalkman.

The news is a major blow to Villa manager John Gregory, who had been hoping the 29year-old would stay after his team secured a place in next term's UEFA Cup.

Staunton has spent nearly seven years with Villa after being signed by Ron Atkinson from Liverpool for £1.1 million in the summer of 1991. He will be free to move at the end of the month when his Villa contract runs out.

Alan Kernaghan (31) has signed a new two-year deal with Perth club St Johnstone whom he joined on a short-term agreement after being freed by Manchester City last season.