Aston Villa are willing to discuss a swap deal with Wigan Athletic for striker Emile Heskey.

The Daily Star says Villa will move to land England striker Heskey from Wigan when the transfer window opens in January.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is a massive fan of the powerhouse striker who is out of contract in the summer.

And Villa know the 30-year-old won't be short of suitors if he runs his contract out but would prefer to get a deal tied up before then and would be prepared to offer Marlon Harewood in part-exchange.