Sporting Lisbon star man Miguel Veloso has been tipped to complete a move to England this summer, with Villa reportedly showing an interest.
The Portugal midfielder, 23, is very highly-rated in his homeland and has been linked with Manchester United in the past.
He is apparently keen to move to one of the top European leagues with the Premiership his preferred destination.
Bolton Wanderers seemed set to sign the player in January but intense speculation came to nothing as Gary Megson failed to get his man.
Now it seems Claret and Blue boss Martin O'Neill will increase his efforts to replace lynchpin Gareth Barry with Sporting's key man.
Veloso could be available for around £12m and his experience in European competition would be a big bonus for O'Neill.