Both clubs are known to be on the lookout for a top-class striker with Bolton's French striker Nicolas Anelka having been mentioned in regard to both clubs.

Chelsea are set to be without Didier Drogba possibly until February due to his recovery from a knee operation followed by the African Nations Cup while United are keen to bolster their strikeforce with continuing question marks over the fitness of Louis Saha.

Villa has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and, according to The People, is ready to leave the club.