Everton striker Andy Johnson has emerged as the latest striker to be linked with a move to Villa Park.

Toffees boss David Moyes is reported to be keen to offload the England international but Villa boss Martin O’Neill would face stiff competition.

Wigan, Middlesbrough and West Ham are also in the hunt for the signature of the ex-Birmingham hitman, who would cost in the region of £7m.

His links to St Andrew’s – where he spent five years as a player between 1997 and 2002  – mean the 27-year-old’s arrival would be certain to court controversy with supporters, who have given him a frosty reception on visits to Villa Park.

O’Neill is keen to add another striker to his squad ahead of the new campaign, which could yet bring UEFA Cup football should they progress through the Intertoto Cup.

The Northern Irishman currently has just three strikers at his disposal – Gabby Agbonlahor, John Carew and Marlon Harewood – after Luke Moore’s departure to Albion.

Reports that Villa have lodged an unsuccessful £15m bid for Blackburn’s wantaway winger David Bentley are wide of the mark, although O’Neill is known to be a keen admirer.

Steve Sidwell has returned from his holiday but the player’s future today appeared no closer to being resolved, with a dispute over his pay-off from Chelsea thought to be delaying his Stamford Bridge departure.

It is believed Villa remain in pole position ahead of Everton, Middlesbrough and Newcastle for the Blues midfielder, with a £5.5m fee verbally agreed between the two clubs.