Aston Villa Football Club are said to be interested in Robert Huth.

Martin O’Neill is in desperate need of a new central defender after selling Zat Knight and, more significantly, losing the inspirational Martin Laursen through retirement.

It is believed the Villa manager is preparing an offer for Middlesbrough’s Huth, who would jump at the chance of a return to the Premier League to boost his World Cup chances with Germany.

"I would rather not sell him but I know there are certain things we have to do as a football club," Boro manager Gareth Southgate admitted to the club's official website.

"Robert's approach is first class. Of course it would be fantastic if he could go to the World Cup with Germany and a move might help him to do that.”

Villa would probably have to find anything between £5million and £7million for Huth, 24, who would be a fine addition to the squad providing he can remain fit.