Villa target Hammers swoop

Aston Villa are ready to rival Tottenham in the race to sign £6m-rated West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand this summer.

Spurs have long been linked with a move for Ferdinand as doubts surround the long-term fitness of Ledley King, but reports claim they have now been joined by Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

O'Neill is looking to strengthen all areas of his squad but defence is an area that needs attention after Olf Mellberg left for Juventus, while Curtis Davis is also struggling through injury.

West Ham will no doubt be keen to keep hold of Ferdinand but it is thought a fee in the region of £6million could tempt Hammers boss Alan Curbishley into selling.