Claret and Blues eye vintage Bordeaux star

Aston Villa are vying with Sevilla for the signature of Czech international midfielder Jaroslav Plasil from Bordeaux.

Plasil, 30, is seen as a potential replacement for Stilyan Petrov in the Villa side after new boss Paul Lambert earmarked that as a key position to fill when he arrived last month. Bordeaux do not want to sell but could have a decision to make if the experienced ex-Monaco and Osasuna man wants a new challenge in the Premier League. Plasil had a good season for the Ligue 1 outfit last term and was a key player in their late-season run to achieve a Europa League spot. After helping the Czech Republic into the Euro 2012 quarter-finals, he has become hot property and reports in France and Span claim Sevilla are readying a £2.6m bid. Villa could match that offer and it looks likely to come down to the player himself to decide if he wants to return to Spain, stay in France or make the switch to the Premier League.