Carlos Cuellar, Emile Heskey and Brad Guzan could have to wait until the summer to learn their fate with Aston Villa putting contract talks on hold.

The trio’s deals expire at the end of the season and it is not yet known which of them will be retained by the club.

Guzan has a provisional offer on the table, Cuellar’s representatives have held tentative talks, but no negotiations have started with Heskey.

The Spanish defender has indicated his desire to stay but the veteran striker and American goalkeeper are believed to be considering their options.

Manager Alex McLeish has decided to wait until the end of Villa’s Premier League campaign before deciding the futures of any of his players.

“The gaffer’s said he would rather put all these talks back until the season ends,” confirmed assistant boss Peter Grant.

“Alex has always been one of these guys who prefers to do his business at the end of the season. He knows the most important thing is Aston Villa Football Club winning games.

“His thinking is ‘I’d rather leave it as much as I possibly can’ and I think the players we’re working with understand that now.”

Grant insists the decision to delay contract talks is no reflection on the players’ ability.