Trio target Villa ace

Three clubs are showing an interest in Shaun Maloney but Aston Villa have yet to receive a bid for the player.

Maloney has struggled to settle in the Midlands since arriving from Celtic in January 2006 and there has been constant speculation linking him with a move away from Villa Park.

Celtic have been linked with taking him back north of the border, while the player's agent John Halliwell has confirmed that two other clubs are also keen.

The club's identities have not been revealed and Villa have also insisted they have not received one bid for the Scottish forward.