Villa ponder move for Defoe

Villa were today weighing up their next move in the chase for Jermain Defoe after it was revealed the striker's heart is set on leaving Portsmouth.

Tottenham remain Villa's biggest rivals for the England man having already seen a £30m bid for Defoe, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson turned down.

Defoe is believed to favour a return to White Hart Lane just a year after leaving for Pompey, who still owe Spurs installments on the deal.

However, Villa's cause will be helped by the fact Hotspur are reluctant to pay much over the £9m Pompey paid.

"It looks like Jermain wants to go. That is something we will be speaking to him about," said Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie.

"If Jermain goes it will be at our price and if there is an offer which appeals. We have always said we do not keep people who do not want to play for Portsmouth. We do not have to sell anyone but if he wants to go that is a different matter."

Villa are also monitoring Crouch's situation at Fratton Park with boss Martin O'Neill eager to recruit a big striker with John Carew still sidelined.

Emile Heskey remains his number one target but, should the Wigan forward decide to see out the remainder of his contract, he could turn to ex-Villa man Crouch, who Portsmouth could decide to cash in on given their current financial worries. One man who looks on his way out of Villa Park, however, is Wayne Routledge after Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale revealed they hope to make his loan permanent.

Meanwhile, O'Neill has vowed to treat the FA Cup with respect by fielding the strongest side possible against Gillingham in the third round clash on Sunday.

"We will treat the competition with the respect it deserves," said O'Neill.

"We will have fans making the long trip to Gillingham and it will be a full house with people paying their money.

"There will be some changes but they will be enforced ones due to injuries but we'll go as strong as we can."