Germany international Thomas Hitzlesperger is reportedly interested in a move back to former club Aston Villa following West Ham's 2010/11 relegation to The Championship. The 29-year-old flourished at Villa Park between 2001 and 2005, making almost 100 appearances for the Birmingham outfit.

An injury prone time at Upton Park may be coming to an end given The Hammers' demotion, and a source close to the 52-times capped midfielder has stated he would like to go back to his former employers.

"Thomas wants to go back to Villa. He enjoyed some great times there," the source is reported to have stated in The Daily Mail.

New coach Alex McLeish may face competition to sign the former Bayern Munich youth player, affectionately known as 'Der Hammer', as he is also on the radar of Fulham, Blackburn and Stoke.

The Scotsman's other transfer targets are reported to include Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given and Wigan's Charles N'Zobgia, whom he tried to sign for former club Birmingham City.