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Aston Villa are set to win the race for Glenn Whelan after Derby ended their interest.

Villa boss Steve Bruce wants to bring in Republic of Ireland midfielder Whelan to add grit to his side.

He had been rivalling Rams manager Gary Rowett for the star’s signature after Stoke said Whelan could go.

But MirrorSport understands Derby have now ended their interest in the midfielder,33, who wants to link up with Bruce and Villa newboy John Terry.

A deal is likely to be completed later this month once Villa have offloaded more of their unwanted flops.

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Villa had an opening £500,000 offer rejected last month with Stoke holding out for £1million but a compromise is likely to be reached.

Bruce said: “I think we need to have a little bit more steel and determination and aggression , especially in the Championship.

“I have left that with the powers that be, so that could be the next one hopefully.”