Aston Villa are rivaling Newcastle United for Chelsea defender Geremi.

Geremi is on holiday back in Africa at the moment, but Newcastle want his name on a contract as soon as possible because they know other clubs are sniffing, says the Evening Chronicle.

They include Aston Villa, who are looking for a right-back after letting ex-Newcastle man Aaron Hughes link up with his old Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez at Fulham for £1m.