O'Neill ready for striker swoop

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been alerted to the news Wigan may be ready to cash in on Emile Heskey during the transfer window.

O'Neill had put signing a new striker high on his priority list but after seeing his side struggle in front of goal in the 0-0 draw with Fulham on Saturday, it is now a priority.

Villa were without John Carew against the Cottagers and his presence in attack was sorely missed, something which is a concern for O'Neill who is ready to step up his striker search.

Heskey is one of his top targets but there were suggestions that the player would see out his contract with Wigan and O'Neill would have to wait until next summer.

However, reports suggest Wigan chairman Dave Whelan does not want him to leave for nothing next summer and is ready to let him go in January for a fee in the region of £4million.