Express & Star

Steven Defour keen on Aston Villa move

Villa target Steven Defour will wait to decide his future – but England is his preferred destination.

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The claret and blues have not followed up their initial enquiry for the Porto star, but retain an interest and the midfielder is keen to join.

The Belgian international's situation is expected to become clear in 10 days as he weighs up his options. Schalke are also chasing his signature.

Defour is happy at Porto and has three years left on his current deal. But the 25-year-old wants first team football ahead of the World Cup – something he will not get at the Estadio do Dragao.

He returned to Paulo Fonseca's team on Sunday and scored in Porto's 6-0 thumping of Atlético CP, but has struggled to command a place in the side.

The chance to link up with Belgian team-mate and friend Christian Benteke at Villa Park is also a factor which attracts Defour, who has 42 caps.

Villa chief Paul Lambert wants to boost his side's midfield options and is also interested in Norwich's Wes Hoolahan. Canaries boss Chris Hughton said there had been no bid.

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