Villa are considering an 11th-hour bid to steal Preston striker David Nugent from under the noses of Sunderland, according to reports today.

The £6m-rated hitman became the latest big name linked with Villa Park today at the end of a week of intense speculation that also saw Diego Forlan rumoured as a major target.

Nugent is certain to leave Deepdale after another prolific season in the Championship, and Villa are now believed to have entered an increasingly frenetic race for his signature.

Premiership new-boys Sunderland are the long-time favourites and are believed to have struck the first blow by holding talks with the England under-21 international striker today. 

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Villa are considering an 11th-hour bid to steal Preston striker David Nugent from under the noses of Sunderland, according to reports today.

The £6m-rated hitman became the latest big name linked with Villa Park today at the end of a week of intense speculation that also saw Diego Forlan rumoured as a major target.

Nugent is certain to leave Deepdale after another prolific season in the Championship, and Villa are now believed to have entered an increasingly frenetic race for his signature.

Premiership new-boys Sunderland are the long-time favourites and are believed to have struck the first blow by holding talks with the England under-21 international striker today.

The Black Cats are reported to have met the 22-year-old in the north-west after being given permission, along with another unnamed club, by Preston.

It is unclear whether Villa are the second club – but West Ham are thought to be strong contenders to sign Nugent, who has also been linked with Everton, Derby, Blackburn and Birmingham. 

Preston confirmed there had been a development in the player’s situation today following his return from international duty with England at the European Under-21 Championships in Holland. 

Chairman Derek Shaw said: “Two clubs have been given permission to speak to David Nugent. We respect the clubs’ request not to state who they are.”

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn would only confirm that an approach had been made.