Soccer-Bradley to stay on as U.S. coach for 2014 World Cup

CHICAGO Aug 30 (Reuters) - Bob Bradley has agreed to stay on as United States coach for another four years to include the 2014 World Cup, U.S. Soccer said on Monday.

The 52-year-old, who steered the U.S. to the second round at this year's World Cup finals in South Africa, will retain the job until the end of 2014 after agreeing to a four-year contract extension.

Monday's announcement puts an end to the widespread rumours linking Bradley with the vacant position at English Premier League club Aston Villa.

Prior to Brazil's 2-0 win over the U.S. in a friendly earlier this month, Bradley said he would love the challenge of coaching in Europe but also said leading the U.S towards the 2014 World Cup would be a challenge.

Over the last four years, the U.S. have won 38 games and lost 20 out of a total of 66 under Bradley, whose current contract was to expire at the end of December.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg Stutchbury; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)