Villa target rival swoop

Aston Villa are being linked with a £4m swoop for Manchester City defender Richard Dunne, who has just a year remaining on his deal.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is looking to strengthen his defence following the departure of Olof Mellberg to Juventus, while Curtis Davis is struggling through injury.

Dunne is now said to be on O'Neill's list of targets and the Irishman is well aware of the player's contract situation and could test the water with a firm offer.

City could be tempted to cash in on the Republic of Ireland defender and both Tottenham and Newcastle are also closely watching developments at Eastlands.