Aston Villa are planning a bid for Sevilla midfielder Christian Poulsen.

The People says Villa scouts have checked out Poulsen, 28, who was a key player for Juande Ramos in last season's UEFA Cup-winning campaign at Sevilla. Poulsen was a £4m signing from Schalke two years ago and could be prised away for a similar sum after Sevilla dropped out of the Champions League places in Spain this season.

Villa could also face competition from Barcelona, but the player is believed to favour a move to the Premier League.