Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is interested in Bayer Leverkusen winger Tranquillo Barnetta.

Kicker says Villa are competing with Fiorentina for the Switzerland international, who faces being sold by Bayer chief Rudi Voeller next month.

McLeish sees Barnetta as a replacement for Ashley Young, now of Manchester United, and feels his creativity is just what Villa's midfield has been lacking this season.

The 25 year-old came close to joining Newcastle United in the summer.