Aston Villa have stepped up their bid to sign John Terry by making a concrete offer to the former England captain.

Villa are making a serious play for Terry and have now submitted a contract proposal which is being considered by the 36-year-old, who is a free agent after leaving Chelsea.

Telegraph Sport understands Terry has over ten "realistic" offers from clubs around the world but Villa have taken a significant step forward in the last 24 hours. Bournemouth, West Brom, Swansea, Birmingham and clubs in China and the MLS are all battling to sign Terry, who is likely to make a decision within the next fortnight.

But Terry is refusing to close the door on extending his career in the unlikely surroundings of the Championship, with Villa's offer understood to be lucrative and loaded with bonuses and incentives that could take the terms over £4million a year.

Other offers and counter-offers are expected to be made in the next few days as the race hots up. Terry did hint at retirement during his tearful farewell at Stamford Bridge in May but he is determined to continue playing.