Portsmouth youngster James Hurst is a target for Aston Villa.

The Mirror says Martin O'Neill will move to solve his side's problem right-back position with the signing of Portsmouth defender Hurst.

O'Neill signed Luke Young in the summer but the England international's displays have so far failed to convince his manager he is the man for the job.

The Villa manager has now turned his attentions to England Under-17 captain Hurst, who he views as the club's long-term answer to the position.