Aston Villa are expected to win the race for Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey.

The Manchester Evening News says an offer in the region of £5m may tempt Wigan chairman Dave Whelan to sell.

Villa made a £6m bid for Heskey earlier in the season. Heskey could see out his Wigan contract and focus his attentions on England's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The Wigan star knows more top performances for his country will increase his market value at the end of the season and would therefore generate greater interest among the top Premier League clubs.

He remains a top target for Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who has designs on a European place.

Chelsea and Liverpool have also been strongly linked with Heskey but they are both prepared to wait until summer before making a move.