Aston Villa are reported to be closing in on the signing of Norwegian international defender Brede Hangeland.

It is believed that Martin O'Neill has moved to the front of the queue to land Hangeland from FC Copenhagen despite interest from a number of clubs, including Newcastle.

Hangeland's representative Jim Solbakken has flown to England and admits he is in talks about his charge.

"Brede is one of the reasons I am here," Solbakken told Stavanger Aftenblad upon his arrival.