Mertesacker to Villa?

Aston Villa are being linked with a move for German international defender Per Mertesacker. The player is currently under contract to Werder Bremen and began his career at Hannover.

Despite being only 22, the player already has 33 caps for Germany. Standing at 6'5, he is renowned for his heading abilities and coming up for corners.

Werder Bremen paid 5m EUR for his services last summer, but now Villa could be forced to pay double that figure.