Rivals join race for Wright-Phillips

Aston Villa are ready to rival Portsmouth in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips, according to reports.

Fratton Park boss Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to land the England international and is confident he would leave Stamford Bridge to join the FA Cup winners on the south coast.

He said recently: "I know Shaun and his dad (former Arsenal and England ace Ian Wright) think Portsmouth would be a good move for him."

Redknapp, however, revealed he may have to sell some of his current players to fund an £8million move for Wright-Phillips having recently shelled out £11million to sign Peter Crouch.

Reports now suggest Martin O'Neill could enter the race for the former Manchester City flyer, who was on target in Chelsea's 4-0 win over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical yesterday.

Wright-Phillips failed to hold down a regular shirt at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant, but is likely to be given an opportunity to impress Luiz Felipe Scolari.