Mainz goalkeeper Loris Karius is interesting Aston Villa.

The People says Villa boss Tim Sherwood sent the club's top spy, former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Tony Coton, to Germany this week to check out the 22-year-old.

Karius, on Manchester City's books as a youngster, left the Etihad for Mainz on loan three years ago and has been there ever since.

The German Under-21 international is the subject of a long-term deal now he has proved himself at Mainz.

In midweek Coton saw him beaten by Bayer Leverkusen's Javier Hernandez during a 1-0 defeat.