Sylvain Distin is being heavily tipped to join Aston Villa Football Club.

Martin O’Neill is eager to land an experienced defender ahead of the new season, following the retirement through injury of Danish ace Martin Laursen.

Reports in the Birmingham Mail claim the Midlands club are on the verge of landing Distin from Portsmouth, in a deal worth something in the region of £2million-£3million.

The French central defender could become the second player to sign for Villa this week, with Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing also expected to join.