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Villa are desperate not to meet the same fate as last year’s Championship play-offs winners Fulham and go straight back down.

Dean Smith’s side have already splashed out on forward Wesley Moraes and Matt Targett while also permanently signing Anwar El Ghazi and Kortney Hause.

But the Villans have several other positions that they want to strengthen before the transfer window closes on August 8.

Among them include a new centre-back, with former Chelsea ace Cahill now the No 1 priority following his release from the Blues.

The Englishman is available on a free after his seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge drew to a close.

At 33, he would provide ample experience and protection for a side that’s expectations will be to survive the drop.

Cahill started his career off at Villa Park, famously scoring an overhead kick against their biggest rivals Birmingham in only his third Premier League game.

The Dronfield-born defender spent eight years at the club coming up through their famous academy before moving to Bolton in 2008.

(Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY)

A host of clubs are said to be chasing his signature, including West Ham and Arsenal.

But the Express report that Villa have beaten them all off to land the centre-back.

And Cahill is not the only veteran defender returning to his roots this summer.

Phil Jagielka penned a deal with Sheffield United on Thursday to mark his return to Brammall Lane.

Much like Cahill, the 36-year-old was let go at the end of the season by Everton.

And the Englishman has joined up with Chris Wilder’s side, who he made 287 appearances for over an eight year period.