Villa join race to land Bluebird

Aston Villa are reported to have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Cardiff City youngster Aaron Ramsey this summer.

Ramsey is high on Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's summer shopping list and according to reports the Frenchman sounded out the player last week to see if he is interested in joining the Gunners.

Manchester United have been seen as the long-time favourites to land the £10million-rated star but he is not convinced that is the best move for him and that could open the door for Arsenal.

United are willing to pay £5million immediately for the 17-year-old with a further £5million in add-ons and they could also loan him back to Cardiff for next season.

The Gunners can match what is on offer from United, while Villa are also known to be in the running as Martin O'Neill looks to draft in a host of new players this summer.

Ramsey would have more chance of forcing his way into the Villa first team on a regular basis and that could make O'Neill favourite to land him.