Blackpool's David Vaughan bids to keep Wales place

David Vaughan has won 25 caps since his debut in the United States in 2003

David Vaughan insists he wants to remain in the Premier League in a bid to keep his Wales starting place.

The 28-year-old midfielder ended his three-year stay at relegated Blackpool after turning down a contract offer at Bloomfield Road to become a free agent.

Vaughan has been linked with Premier League moves to Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion as he wants to continue being a regular in the Wales midfield.

"The last 12 months I have played more regularly for Wales," said Vaughan.

"That has been good and if I want to continue that I have to be playing as high as I can on a weekly basis."

Vaughan has won eight of his 25 Wales caps in the last 12 months, having established himself as a top-flight player in Ian Holloway's Blackpool midfield alongside Charlie Adam.

Former Real Sociedad player Vaughan impressed for Blackpool in the Premier League despite their relegation to the Championship and was named as the club's player of the year.

But Vaughan, who has started five of the last seven Wales internationals, faces tough competition to remain in Gary Speed's midfield.

Vaughan is up against captain Aaron Ramsey, Jack Collison, Joe Ledley, David Edwards, Joe Allen and Andy King for a place in the centre of Wales' midfield.

"I enjoyed my first season in the Premier League," said Vaughan.

"It was something new to me and I enjoyed playing against some of the best players in the world and that is something I want to continue next season.

"A couple of clubs have shown an interest."

Vaughan, who made 116 appearances for the Seasiders, began his career at Crewe Alexandra but joined Blackpool from Spanish side Real Sociedad in August 2008.

He then helped Holloway's men win Premier League promotion for the first time in 2010.