Martin O'Neill will look to tie up a deal for Tottenham midfielder David Bentley by the end of the week.
The Villa boss has identified former Blackburn midfielder Bentley, 24, as one of his top summer targets and it looks like a deal could be completed imminently with the transfer window now open.
Spurs are likely to want at least £8m for a man who was signed at a cost of £17m just last year.
And with the Gareth Barry cash burning a hole in his pocket O'Neill is keen to make a move and add more flair to his midfield, an attribute which Bentley has in abundance.
More signings should follow soon after as the smallest squad in the Premier League requires urgent expansion after already letting go of three players since the end of last season.