Aston Villa Football Club have made an offer for James Collins.

The Wales international defender has been heavily linked with a move to Stoke City this summer, but it appears as though Martin O’Neill is in the driving seat to sign the player.

Sky Sports claim the Midlands club have made an official bid for the player, and although it remains to be seen if West Ham United will accept, a move does look likely.

Gianfranco Zola will hope to use the cash to boost his own squad at Upton Park, but with time running out, the Italian will have to act quickly to beat the deadline.