O'Neill issued a statement on the club's official website late last night to attempt to clarify his position with the midlands club.

The former Celtic boss had already stated at a media conference on Thursday afternoon that there has been no fall-out with American businessman Lerner.

That followed on from unfounded reports earlier in the week that O'Neill had quit Villa because he was unhappy with Lerner's transfer policy.

O'Neill declined at that conference to give assurances over his long-term future at Villa and said only Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson could make such statements given his outstanding record of success.

But he was full of praise for the backing he had received from Lerner in spending £80 million on new players during the past four years.

O'Neill, in his statement, said: "In light of ongoing and perplexing reports - despite my efforts to bring clarity to the situation earlier today - I would like to reiterate one or two points which, to me, are essential.

"Every summer, since taking this job at Aston Villa in August 2006, I have sat down and discussed the season in general with my chairman, Randy Lerner, attempting also to formulate plans for how we hope to keep improving the club year on year.

"This summer will be no different."

As regards his future, O'Neill said: "I have a yearly rolling contract and I hope to continue to do a job, the challenges of which I enjoy immensely."

O'Neill had said earlier on Thursday: "I will assess everything at the end of the season. I will sit down with the chairman and see where we are going.

"There will be a number of determining factors, the supporters, the chairman who will have a big part in proceedings, and I will also play a part because it is my life.

"I will assess everything at the end of the season. I am contacted on a yearly basis and would hope to continue."

But when asked about if he was at Villa for the long haul O'Neill said: "There is no such thing as a manager saying he is in it for the long haul.

"Possibly there is only one manager who could say that, somebody who has won dozens of honours, championships, European titles, who is based up in Manchester (Sir Alex Ferguson)."