Aston Villa to bid for Upson

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is putting the finishing touches to a £12 million offer for West Ham defender Matthew Upson, according to reports in England this morning. The defender had been linked with a move to Man City.

O'Neill is desperate to find a replacement for Olof Mellberg and Martin Laursen, the duo that both left the club last year.

Matthew Upson is the preferred target for O'Neill, but the Villains may have to cough up as much as £12 million to land the player.

Upson is keen to establish himself in the defence of a top six side to push his chances of a World Cup 2010 squad place next year.