Balaban hoping for a chance at Villa

Last updated : 22 June 2003 By FootyMAD

The 24-year-old, who spent the whole of last season out on-loan at Dynamo Zagreb, will return to Bodymoor Heath for pre-season training in the hope of forcing his way into new boss David O'Leary's side, his agent Nikki Vuksan has said.

"It would be great to hold talks with Villa," Vuksan told Dynamo Zagreb's official website.

"Balaban will participate in training to give David O'Leary a first-hand view of what he can do, then the new manager can decide what he wants to do with him."

"I have read on the internet that O'Leary has said everyone will start afresh, he wants all his players back and will then make his decisions."

Balaban was signed by former boss John Gregory in August 2001 for £6m but has started just two games for Villa.