Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has confirmed that the club have started negotiations with defender Carlos Cuellar for a new contract.
Cuellar's current deal runs out this summer but McLeish wants the former Rangers player to extend his stay.
The 30-year-old has been used effectively at right-back and left-back recently in addition to his preferred centre-back role.
McLeish told the club's official website: "I think there have been talks (about a new contract) and they will be ongoing.
"I've said to Carlos it's important he keeps playing as well as he can and then contracts won't be a problem for him.
"If he produces the form he is capable of, we will get more clean sheets so why would you want to let someone like that go."
McLeish has also hinted again that he would not rule out a return to Villa for striker Robbie Keane whose loan spell from Los Angeles Galaxy ends after this weekend's game at Wigan.
The Irishman has scored three goals in his five appearance for the Villians in a role that has seen him play behind Darren Bent.