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Man United's Tom Cleverley happy at Aston Villa, hints at permanent deal

Tom Cleverley has hinted he wants to sign for Aston Villa on a long-term deal.

The Manchester United midfielder is spending the season on loan at Villa Park and will be available on a free transfer in the summer when his contract at Old Trafford expires.

The 25-year-old has become a pivotal member of new manager Tim Sherwood's team, and suggests he sees his future at Villa despite also being wanted by Everton.

When asked what it would take for him to stay, Cleverley told newspapers: "First of all you've got to be playing in a position where you fit in, and playing at a club where you like the players and the manager.

"This club ticks all the boxes so we'll see what happens. First of all the club have to offer me something.

"I don't think any Premier League players are going to be short of a quid or two so I think you've just got to be happy first and foremost, and I am at this club so let's just see where we go from there.

"I'm playing my football with a massive smile on my face and enjoying myself here.

"We've got a great group of lads and I'm getting on well with the manager, so those are all factors that show I'm happy.

"I've really grown to like playing for this club in the last few months, and this manager has got to be given credit for getting me where I've been in the last few weeks."

Cleverley had not scored a league goal since 2013 but his winner against West Ham on Saturday was his third strike in as many matches.

Manager Sherwood joked he would drop the England international for May's FA Cup final against Arsenal if he did not sign with Villa.

'We'll offer him £250 and someone else will come in with £50,000," he said. "I'll just tell him if he won't sign he's not playing in the cup final."