Aston Villa have been told to go to £8 million if they want to land West Brom defender Curtis Davies.

The Guardian says Martin O'Neill, Villa's manager, had proposed a deal that would see Villa pay £6m up front with another £1m to follow subject to clauses but Albion, in a strong financial position following the departures of Diomansy Kamara and Jason Koumas to Premiership clubs this summer, have insisted their bid will need to be improved.

It is understood that privately Albion have let it be known they are receptive to offers for Davies but the club will insist their £8m valuation is met. Albion are set to lose 12.5% of any transfer fee following a sell-on clause that was agreed with Davies' former club, Luton Town, increasing the need to secure a substantial sum for the 22-year-old.