Aston Villa may face rival competition from Derby County for the signature of Glenn Whelan, who looks set to leave Stoke City during the summer window.
The 33-year-old is down to the final 12 months of his contract at the bet365 Stadium, and Mark Hughes is prepared to let him leave should a suitable offer arrive.
Villa have already tried their hand with a bid of £500,000 for the midfielder, but this was rejected by the Premier League side who rate the Republic of Ireland international at twice the amount.
It remains to be seen if Steve Bruce will return with an improved offer, but he may have to do so quickly unless he could face missing out to Championship rivals Derby.
The Rams have agreed a deal to sell Will Hughes to Watford for a reported £8million, and The Sentinel claim they may turn to Whelan as an experienced replacement.
