Aston Villa chase Larsson?

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill's chase to find a long-term successor to Gareth Barry is already well under way, and there are reports this afternoon that Sebastien Larsson of Championship side Birmingham could be the number one target.

Larsson showed in the Premiership last year with the Blues' that he was a very useful player; and whilst he was a reserve at Arsenal he was regularly given opportunities to impress in the first-team by Arsene Wenger.

The player scored a cracking goal against Tottenham last year, and is renowned for his set piece abilities - very much in the mould of Gareth Barry.

However, Alex McLeish the Birmingham coach, has already revealed that he wishes to keep hold of the Swedish midfielder. A fee of around £6 million may see the Scottish coach thinking otherwise.