Meanwhile, the former Manchseter Utd centre-back has spoken of his desire to remain at Villa behond the end of the season - when his contract at the club is due to expire.
"I want to stay here. I love it here at Villa and I am keen to stay on next season," he said.
"I don't know what the manager thinks and I need to talk to him about things.
"But I have made up my own mind that this place is the best option for me and I just hope I can stay on.
"I really believe that things are going well here and this club can make big strides forward.
"If a contract was offered to me then, assuming everything is right, I would definitely want to stay.''