Villa’s Berger set for MLS switch?

Aston Villa midfielder Patrik Berger could make a move to Major League Soccer – and Martin O’Neill will not stand in his way.

The 33-year-old former Liverpool star recently returned to Villa Park after being loan-out to Stoke City following a breach of club discipline.

While O’Neill has said still has a chance to make the first-team, Berger’s agent is thought to have been in talks about a move to the United States – where former England skipper David Beckham will be plying his trade at the end of the season.

Boss Martin O’Neill told the club’s official site: “The situation with Berger is that he is back here now, obviously he has apologised for what had happened. His agent had mentioned about the possibility of him going somewhere abroad for the last few months, if that materialises, fine.

“If not, then he just gets his head down here and the team will get picked on merit as far as I am concerned. If he is doing well enough, then he will be back in contention.”

Berger’s contract runs out at the end of the season but O’Neill’s words suggest he could be allowed to move to the MLS in time for the start of their season in April.