Former Arsenal man Hleb could be available for a cut-price £10m, having featured only sparingly for the Spanish and European champions this season.
The midfield magician, 28, signed for Barca for £17m last summer but owing to competition from no less than Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi his dream move has become a nightmare.
Hleb's agent has admitted that both English and German sides have taken an interest in signing the talented wide man and Villa would undoubtedly have shot of tempting him back the home of football should they make a bid.
With the £12m received for Gareth Barry set to be spent on new players it surely won't be long before O'Neill splashes out on a big money buy and Hleb could be just the man.