Aston Villa are preparing a bid for Rangers attacker Steven Naismith.

The Scottish Sun says ex-Rangers boss Alex McLeish is desperate to wrest Scotland star Naisy away from his old club when the transfer window reopens in January.

It is understood that Eck enquired about Naismith just as the last transfer window closed but was given no encouragement by Gers gaffer Ally McCoist.

Now he's ready to return in the New Year with a bid to lure Naisy to the Premier League.

The Gers and Scotland ace has four years left on his current deal - but that won't put Eck off.