O’Neill looks to add more stability to his back four.

Football - Hull City v Blackburn Rovers Barclays Premier League

Aston Villa are weighing up a £7million move for Blackburn Rovers defender Stephen Warnock.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill has already splashed out on Stewart Downing and Habib Beye and wants owner Randy Lerner to finance a move for a centre-half and left-back.

But the American may want squad players like Nicky Shorey, Nigel Reo-Coker and Luke Young sold before any moves are made. (Mail on Sunday)

Martin O’Neill brought in some good signings thus far this summer but then saw his side lose at home to Wigan the opening day of the season which therefore must have set alarm bells ringing in the Villa boss’s head.

Stephen Warnock is a top notch left back but Aston Villa already have a number of options in that position although it appears that O’Neill has run out of patience with Nicky Shorey if indeed the speculation linking the manager with Warnock is accurate.

The former Liverpool man may feel a move to Villa may aid his chances of getting a chance at cracking the England set-up but Sam Allardyce will be loathed to lose the 27 year old.

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