Villa linked with Porto ace

Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Lisandro Lopez, who is in dispute with Porto over a new contract and could move on.

The 25-year-old striker has seen negotiations over a new contract stall and that has kicked off suggestions he could be holding out for a move abroad when the window opens.

Lopez's agent Fernando Hidalgo is ready to tout the player around Europe and Villa along with Newcastle United are thought to be in the hunt to sign him.

The striker has been prolific throughout his career and his 39 goals in 78 appearances for the Portuguese club have obviously caught the attention of Villa boss Martin O'Neill.