Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is chasing Manchester City's £10 million-rated pair Danny Sturridge and Michael Johnson.

The Mirror says Johnson, 20, will be allowed to leave Eastlands after struggling to force his way into Mark Hughes' revamped team and will cost around £6m.

Sturridge, 19, is also ready to quit as he is still yet to receive a new contract offer.

O'Neill said: "We have been on the go since July. Buying players is what we want to try and do."