Aston Villa are getting a clear run at Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan.

The Mirror says Villa are set to win the race for Whelan after Derby ended their interest.

Villa boss Steve Bruce wants to bring in Republic of Ireland midfielder Whelan to add grit to his side.

He had been rivalling Rams manager Gary Rowett for the star's signature after Stoke said Whelan could go.

But Derby have now ended their interest in the midfielder, 33, who wants to link up with Bruce and Villa new-boy John Terry.