Aston Villa Target Wigan Duo Heskey and Valencia

Aston Villa currently sit in fifth position in the English Premier League, one point behind fourth place Arsenal.

The Villans are hoping to break into the top four this season and ensure Champions League football for next season.

In order to help them achieve this objective, American chairman Randy Lerner is thought to be ready to give manager Martin O'Neill funds to strengthen his squad in January.

According to British tabloid the Daily Mirror, Villa's top target is Wigan Athletic and England forward Emile Heskey who could be available for as little as £4 million as his contract is set to expire in the summer.

Although the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and West Ham United have also registered an interest in the former Leicester City and Liverpool striker, it is thought he would favour a move to Villa Park to team-up with his former manager.

Meanwhile, Villa are also believed to be interested in the Latics Ecuadorian international winger Antonio Valencia and could be readying a £7m offer.

However, Villa could face competition from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United for the 23-year-old, which may well increase the player's price-tag, especially as Wigan manager Steve Bruce has repeatedly emphasised his desire to keep the young midfielder when big clubs have been close to a swoop in the past.

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com