Reports today are suggesting that Villa manager Paul Lambert has made a £1.5 million offer for the out-of-favour Norwich midfielder.

Lambert will hope that his previous working experience with the Dubliner plus the lure of first-team football will entice Hoolahan to follow the Scot to Villa Park, with a £1.5 million offer lodged for the 31 year-old.

Villa have been desperately short of goals this season and the former Shelbourne player could add the creativity in the final third that they have been lacking, further exacerbated by Christian Benteke’s recent goal drought.

The 31 year-old, who only signed an extended deal at the club 12 months ago, has started the last two games for the Canaries but has been a regular on the bench this season and could be keen to link up with the manager who has had a strong influence over his upward curve.

It was Lambert who moved Hoolahan from a wing position to 'behind the strikers' role at Carrow Road which helped propel his career and the funds would allow Chris Hughton the opportunity to strengthen other areas of his squad.

Online Editors