Villa make Real deal for midfielder

Real Madrid midfielder Ruben De La Red is a reported £9.5million target of Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

The 23-year-old has attracted interest from around Europe and England in particular after enjoying a successful season-long loan spell with Real's Spanish Primera Liga rivals Getafe last term.

Reports in Spain are suggesting that it is Villa boss O'Neill who has now firmed up his interest with an offer of 12 million euros and De La Red is interested in making the move to the Premier League. However the decision on the player's future will ultimately rest with Real coach Bernd Schuster, who must determine if he has a future at the Bernabeu.

The Spain international said: "It's always nice when your work is acknowledged by important English and Spanish clubs - it means you are making progress and that you're on the right track.

"It helps me want to do even better. I haven't shut the door to any club.

"I like the Premiership and how people live the matches over there."