Thomas Sorensen and Patrik Berger will not don Aston Villa colours next season, following the club's decision not to extend their contracts.

Sorensen was signed by Villa from Sunderland in 2003 for a fee of 2 million pounds. The Danish keeper, known for his reputation as an excellent shot stopper, warmed the benches last season when O'Neill brought Scott Carson on loan from Liverpool.

Berger had allegedly incurred the wrath of Martin O'Neill by saying that skipper Gareth Barry should leave the Midlands club for Liverpool. Berger, who was signed by Aston Villa after being released on a free transfer by Portsmouth, constantly waged a battle against injuries, and made only a handful of appearances for the Villains. He was also loaned out once to Stoke City.

O'Neill has made no secret of his interest in Carson, but Liverpool's 10 million pound valuation of the keeper may force him to look for alternative options.