Aston Villa have expressed an interest in signing Aaron Lennon from Tottenham.

Discussions are underway over a £5million deal with manager Tim Sherwood still keen on Andros Townsend too.

Sherwood wants to bring in some British signings after his flurry of foreign arrivals to maintain a balance in the squad and dressing room.

Aston Villa are in talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a £5million deal for winger Aaron Lennon (left)

Lennon impressed during a six-month loan deal with Everton last season but he is unlikely to join the Toffees

He has made an improved offer of around £2m for West Bromwich Albion defender Joleon Lescott and wants to add Lennon who impressed on loan at Everton last season.

Lennon was to be offered as a makeweight in Tottenham's bid for James McCarthy but the Everton midfielder has today agreed to sign a new five-year contract at Goodison Park.

Lennon has one year left and was rated at £9m by Tottenham but Villa believe £5m is a fair reflection of his market value.

Sherwood retains an interest in Townsend too but the England winger wants to give his Tottenham career every chance and will wait to see where he fits into Maurico Pochettino's plans as the season begins.

Villa boss Tim Sherwood is also keen on Spurs winger Andros Townsend but the winger wants to stay put

Villa have made an improved offer of around £2million for West Brom defender Joleon Lescott (left)

Villa did have an interest in Barcelona's Adama Traore but don't want to pay the £12m buyout and he is leaning towards joining Stoke City after visiting their training ground on Wednesday.

Albion, meanwhile, have offered another year to Lescott as Tony Pulis wants him to stay but he is interested in speaking to Villa if terms can be agreed.