Younes Belhanda: Montpellier playmaker open to a move to Aston Villa

Montpellier chairman Louis Nicollin claimed on Tuesday that Villa are one of five clubs to have made an offer for the Morocco international.

AC Milan, city rivals Inter, Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray are also reported to have lodged bids in the region of €14million (£11.9m) for Belhanda.

Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked with the 23-year-old in the past, but now Villa appear to have stepped in with an interest.

Belhanda has been given permission by Montpellier to decide where he wants to go and he acknowledged that Villa are a club with a 'big history'.

"I am definitely aware that there are five clubs with serious interest in me," said Belhanda. "The president told me how much I will cost for any team that wants me.

"I have told everyone that England will be my first choice.

"Aston Villa is a great club with a big history playing in the best league in the world, so let's see what will happen."