Sunderland and West Ham United are looking into the possibility of acquiring Aston Villa centre-back James Collins, according to Express and Star.

The 28-year-old has been a consistent performer the Villans across the three seasons he has spent at the club but after a disappointing club campaign last season, it appears that he could be set to rekindle an old flame.

Whether it is joining former manager Martin O'Neill at the Stadium of Light or returning to east London and the Hammers, Villa could face a fight to hold onto him.

Meanwhile the club have had their interest in Ipswich Town defender Aaron Cresswell confirmed by the Tractor Boys' manager Paul Jewell following his appearance in the recent pre-season friendly against Cambridge United.

However, the Portman Road side's £6m valuation of the 22-year-old could prove to be too steep, with Villa ready to offer just half of that amount.

The Birmingham outfit were also reported to be close to finalising a deal to bring bruising Dutch international Ron Vlaar to Villa Park from Feyenoord, though manager Paul Lambert is yet to reveal the current situation of the move.

The Express and Star are reporting that Lambert has been forced to return from the United States of America in order to sort out the ongoing transfer business.

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