Aston Villa are interested in Middlesbrough defender David Wheater.
Wheater is off contract in June and could be cashed in by Boro in the New Year.
Stoke City, Everton and local rivals Newcastle United are amongst those known to be keen.
Aston Villa were previously linked when Martin O'Neil was in charge at Villa Park, and now they are set to renew their interest, says skysports.com.
It is understood that Gerard Houllier's number two Gary McAllister, who was a first-team coach at Boro under Gordon Strachan, has recommended the defender to the Frenchman, and he is now considering a bid.
