Wigan Athletic defender Titus Bramble is wanted by Aston Villa.

The Daily Star says Villa are set to launch a £3.5m player-plus-cash bid for Bramble.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is desperate to sign a new centre-back following the retirement of Martin Laursen.

And he is prepared to offer midfielder Barry Bannan in the deal.

Bannan, 19, spent two months on loan at Derby last season.

But O'Neill is willing to sacrifice him to land former Newcastle defender Bramble, 27, who was in the form of his life last season.