Aston Villa are said to have made a bid for Jermain Defoe

Aston Villa are reported to be very close to signing Portsmouth’s striker Jermain Defoe.

The twenty-six year old striker joined Portsmouth from Tottenham Hotspur during last season’s transfer window. That was when Harry Redknapp was manager at Portsmouth.

It has been reported that Redknapp has been trying to lure the striker back to White Hart Lane. The Spurs manager was instrumental in introducing the England striker to Premier League football when he was with West Ham United.

Aston Villa’s manager Martin O’Neill is said to have been given the go-ahead by owner Randy Lerner and that a bid of ₤16 million has been made.

Aston Villa will require to strengthen their squad in their quest to make the Champions League in the 2009/10 season.