Aston Villa are on the verge of sealing a £5 million deal for Derby County winger Giles Barnes.

The News of the World says the Derby winger had been earmarked for a January switch to West Ham.

But Upton Park chief Alan Curbishley is having second thoughts.

Some observers believe Barnes' head has been turned by the hype but he represents just the sort of challenge Villa chief O'Neill likes.

New Pride Park manager Paul Jewell would like to keep Barnes but needs to raise funds if he wants to buy during the transfer window.