Aston Villa are aiming to trump Blackburn Rovers for Manchester United fullback Danny Simpson.

The Sunday Mirror says Blackburn are poised to offer Simpson - also a target for former boss Mark Hughes - a one-year loan deal.

But Villa boss Martin O'Neill is keen for defensive reinforcements and hopes to steal a march.

Simpson, 21, has been assured by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson he'll be sent on loan to a Premier League club after spending part of last season at Ipswich.