Southampton are ahead of Aston Villa in their Bosman battle for AC Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini.

The Mirror says Flamini, 29, has had tentative discussions with Aston Villa and Southampton, as his contract with AC Milan finishes at the end of this campaign.

The France international has endured mixed fortunes at the San Siro since leaving Arsenal in 2008 - a year ago he had to accept a pay-cut to stay for another 12 months.

Flamini wants a two-year contract, and it is believed that the Saints' boss Mauricio Pochettino has sounded him out personally.