Glenn Whelan is ready to leave Stoke City this summer and Aston Villa are “confident” of signing him, according to an Irish Sun report.
The newspaper claims Villa are making a move for the 33-year-old after Darren Fletcher’s arrival at the bet365 Stadium has left his starting place in doubt.
It is said the Birmingham giants have started talks with the Potters about a fee for the Irishman, who could be offered a two-year deal.
Burnley are also interested in acquiring Whelan’s services, and they would provide the chance to stay in the Premier League.
The 33-year-old combative midfielder has been at the Potters for the best part of nine seasons, having joined from Sheffield Wednesday in January 2008, and he has amassed 276 Premier League appearances for the club since then.
He was a mainstay in their engine room this season, playing 31 league and cup games for the club, helping the side to a 13th-place finish in the Premier League.
Whelan is an 80-time Republic of Ireland international, and he featured in all five of his nation’s most recent 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Villa manager Steve Bruce is looking to bolster his squad ahead of the 2017/18 campaign as they look to push for a return to the Premier League.