Michael Oakes is expected to keep his options open and let his contract run down at Villa Park, with his current deal expiring in the summer.

The former England under-21 international, who has found himself relegated to become Villa's third choice 'keeper, has been tipped as a potential target for Wolves and Bristol City in loan and permanent deals respectively.

But Oakes seems unlikely to be willing to accept a role on the bench at Molineux as back-up to Mike Stowell or drop down two divisions to play for Bristol City.

The 26-year old is in a very powerful position as he will be out of contract at the end of the season when he would be in the position to cash in as a free agent.

Villa boss John Gregory has made it clear that he would like Oakes to put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at Villa Park. But the chances of that happening do look to be extremely slim. Oakes is coming up to the stage of his career when he wants to play regular first-team football.

His chances of being able to do that look to be slim to say the least. Having started the season as the number two to summer signing David James. Oakes has slipped further down the pecking order as the Finnish under-21 international Peter Enckleman is now establishing himself as the new Villa number two.

Oakes seems certain to wait and bide his time over the next few months before making a decision on his future at the end of the season. It is a route that is already well worn at Villa Park.

Steve Staunton let his contract expire before returning to Liverpool on a free transfer while Mark Bosnich quit the club during the summer to join Manchester United as a free agent. Bosnich, meanwhile, is set to face Villa in tomorrow night's Worthington Cup clash at Villa Park.