ASTON Villa goalkeeper Mark Bosnich will be put up for sale before the start of next season unless he agrees a new long-term contract.

The 26-year-old Australian international still has a year left on his current agreement, but manager John Gregory is anxious to guard against Villa losing out again under the Bosman ruling as they have just done with Steve Staunton.

''I want Bosnich to sign a new four or five year contract, because I expect him to be the best in the world,'' said Gregory.

''We can't afford to run the risk of losing him for nothing in 12 months' time.

''He knows that if he's not prepared to commit his future to Aston Villa then he will be put up for sale.''