Villa in Europe is target for Mellberg

Aston Villa skipper Olof Mellberg has set his sights on European football next season.

Villa missed out on a UEFA Cup spot on the final day of the Premiership season after losing to Manchester United.

The Sweden international wants to put that disappointment behind him after signing a new long-term deal.

He said: "We're aiming at being in the top six and building on last season. That means qualifying for Europe - that is what we are looking at.

"As well as adding players, we've managed to keep the ones we wanted to keep and that has been a step in the right direction."