Valencia defender Raul Albiol is a target for Aston Villa.

The Mirror says Villa boss Martin O'Neill has sent his top spies to watch the Spanish international star in the past few weeks and hopes to exploit Valencia's current financial woes.

Albiol, 23, has also been linked with Liverpool, but Villa may have the edge as they can offer him first-team football rather than just a squad place at Anfield.

Versatile Albiol plays centre-half, but is also a respected midfield 'sitter', making him ideal for O'Neill as he looks to increase the quality of a small squad. Villa could snap up the defender for around £6m.