Emile Heskey expecting Aston Villa exit

Striker Emile Heskey is resigned to leaving Aston Villa this summer after not being offered a new contract - and defender Carlos Cuellar's days at the midlands club could also be numbered.

Former England international Heskey is set to play his final game for Villa at Norwich on Sunday as his three-and-a-half-year deal is completed.

But Cuellar also appeared to say farewell via Twitter - with his four-year contract running out this summer.

Heskey said: "I've enjoyed my spell at Villa. We got to the Carling Cup final, and an FA Cup semi-final. It gave me the chance at Wembley again so I can't complain.

"But there are no contract talks with Villa so I will be looking elsewhere.

"I haven't got a club (lined up) to be honest. Obviously my contract is up so I just take it day by day and see what crops up.

"But I want to carry on playing. I'm 34. I still feel I can play so I don't see why I need to retire just now.

"I still want to play at Premier League level. From when I started, I always said I wanted to play at the highest level wherever that might be. You always strive for that."

Cuellar tweeted: "Very happy because, after my last match at Villa Park (against Tottenham) the team will stay one more year where it has to be.

"Thank you all for your support in good and the bad moments all these years!"

The 30-year-old Spaniard moved from Rangers to Villa Park for £7.8million in August 2008.

Despite talks between the club and his representatives, he has yet to be offered a new deal.

There is continuing speculation over Villa manager Alex McLeish's future despite Villa having virtually secured their Barclays Premier League status thanks to Sunday's 1-1 home draw against Tottenham.

But Heskey believes whoever is in charge needs to be in a position to strengthen the squad this summer.

He said: "Will McLeish still be manager? Best to ask the powers that be. I don't see why not. We are more or less safe now so he will be looking forward to next year.

"But I think a few more players are needed. I think we needed a few more players this season but we battled on with what we had.

"I'm sure Alex will have people he wants on his radar and hopefully he gets them in."

PA