Aston Villa to make bid for Nigerian midfielder Peter Etebo?

Newly promoted Premier League side Aston Villa are preparing a bid for Nigerian international central midfielder Peter Etebo and are confident that a deal can be agreed during this summer's transfer window. Etebo, who is currently on international duty for the African Cup of Nations, is very highly rated in his home country and is valued by Stoke City at around £14 million.

Etebo has 17 caps to his name for Nigeria and is a very important member of his country's squad in the AFCON tournament.

The former Feirense midfielder burst on to the scene at Stoke City last year, playing in 34 games for the club and scoring two goals. Etebo played against Aston Villa last season in the Championship and particularly caught the eye in that game against the Birmingham-based side.

Etebo joined Stoke City for a fee of £6.35 million, meaning that Stoke City will make almost double in profit signing the midfielder, who has four years remaining on his current contract.

Stoke City had a disappointing campaign last year in the Championship but Etebo is considered one of the club's better performing players.