Aston Villa and Arsenal ready to pounce if Middlesbrough decide to cash in on goalkeeper Jason Steele

On the move? Jason Steele

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier is set to battle with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for Middlesbrough keeper Jason Steele, if the Championship club decide to sell up.

Houllier is reportedly interested in the player, but Steele has also been strongly linked with a move to The Emirates.

Boro still insist however that they want to hang on to their goalkeeper, despite the club's crippling payroll.

The Gunners, who have had longstanding problems finding a top keeper, are willing to pay to £4million for Steele.

Villa, who are well aware that Brad Friedel is nearing the ened of his career, have also been chasing Rangers and Scotland star Allan McGregor.

Boro boss Tony Mowbray is understood to be working on potential replacements if any potential deal becomes too much to refuse.