Aston Villa for Lucas Neill

Aston Villa are now ready to make an official offer for West Ham's want away defender Lucas Neill. It is understood that Martin O'Neill is desperate to bring in proven Premiership quality defenders after the loss of Olof Mellberg to Juventus.

Neill was reportedly keen on a move to Turkey with Galatasaray; where his Australia international team mate Harry Kewell joined this summer.

However now Villa are ready to make an official offer for Neill, believed to be in the region of around £6 million.