Aston Villa Boss Gerard Houllier Targets Michael Carrick But Midfielder Sees His Future At Manchester United - Report

New Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is apparently lining up a swoop for Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick – even though the United star wants to stay at Old Trafford for life.

Carrick, who is expected to be named in Fabio Capello’s England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro, is seen by Houllier as a perfect fit for the Aston Villa midfield, but Carrick has reiterated his desire to remain at Old Trafford in The People.

Carrick said: “I have seen some stories suggesting I’d be leaving last summer but I take no notice. It’s part of the game.

“I have never thought I was on my way out of United, not for one minute. It has never entered my mind.

“And neither has the manager said anything to me. This is a great place to be and results like the one against Valencia make it all worthwhile when you play a part in something like that.

“I have the rest of this season and next season left on my contract and I would like to stay here for the rest of my career. Why would I want to go anywhere else?

“It’s up to me this season to work hard to earn the right to do that and to make it a reality. So the aim is to be in the team as often as I can.”

Carrick, who cost United £18 million from Tottenham four years ago, has struggled with injury this season after aggravating an Achilles problem in United’s Community Shield victory over Chelsea, and made a rare appearance in United's Champions League win at Valencia on Wednesday.