Last Updated: Thu, 01 May 2008 15:26
Aston Villa are said to be lining up an ambitious swoop for Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill is planing a bumper spending spree in the summer and Schweinsteiger is the kind of quality player he hopes to lure to Villa Park.
O'Neill has been spotted watching Bayern in action and that has fuelled rumours the 23-year-old German international is the player he is scouting with a view to a summer swoop.
Villa could have a job on their hands though as Bayern look set to return to the Champions League stage next season and trying to lure Schweinsteiger away could be easier said than done.
Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan, who could offer Champions League football, are also said to be keen.