Aston Villa are battling Ajax for AZ Alkmaar fullback Simon Poulsen.

The Denmark international has been a long-term target for Villa and the appointment of new manager Paul Lambert hasn't seen their interest cool.

Ajax coach Frank de Boer sees Poulsen as a replacement for the unsettled Gregory van der Wiel.

But he's likely to face a losing battle should Villa firm up their interest as Poulsen has confessed an ambition to play in England.