Aston Villa are threatening Norwich's bid for Fulham striker Ross McCormack.

Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo wants a proven finisher and fears he may lose Jordan Ayew who is wanted by Hamburg and Bordeaux.

Norwich have been considered favourites to sign the 29-year-old in a £10million deal yet, with negotiations rumbling on, Villa sense they have a chance to step in.

£10million-rated Fulham striker Ross McCormack is wanted by Championship rivals Norwich and Aston Villa

Villa boss Roberto di Matteo wants a proven finisher and fears he may lose Jordan Ayew who is wanted abroad

Ayew has been in fine form during pre-season and is could leave Villa Park for either Hamburg or Bordeaux

McCormack has been left behind for treatment on a slight injury while Fulham's squad are in Portugal and they want a replacement in ideally before they sell their top scorer.

Scotland international McCormack scored 23 goals last season and has also drawn enquiries from Newcastle and Hull City.

McCormack's potential arrival at Villa Park could offset the departure of Ayew, who has scored three goals in pre-season.

His form heading into the new season has firmly established him as the club's top player, making it difficult for the Championship side to hold onto their Ghanaian star.

McCormack scored 23 goals last campaign for the Cottagers and has also drawn enquiries from Newcastle

Ayew does not want his club level to affect his quest to retain his spot in Ghana's Africa Cup of Nations side

The 24-year-old has continued where he left off last season, but the club's new Chinese owners have vowed to keep hold of him, despite his ambition to play in the top flight.