Marlon Harewood's big time chance

Marlon Harewood is poised to beat Villa to the Champions League by signing for Turkey's new title winners Bursaspor.

Harewood, available on a free transfer after his three-year career stall with Villa, finds the little-known club among his suitors this summer.

Bursaspor stunned Turkish football this season by winning their domestic league, the club's first major honour, on a dramatic last day which saw Fenerbahce pipped at the post.

That has led to the surprise champions scouting around Europe for players to strengthen their Champions League challenge and Harewood has been offered a two-year deal.

The striker, who is thought to have other Championship clubs lining up to take him despite a flat spell last season on loan at Newcastle, is likely to be cautioned by the experiences of fellow former Villa forward Darius Vassell, who endured a miserable season after signing for another Turkish club in Ankaragucu.

But the lure of a fresh start, lucrative salary and Champions League spotlight are on the plus side of the deal for Harewood, after starting just seven games for the claret and blues in three dormant years.

The 30-year-old is just one of a group of boss Martin O'Neill signings moved on this summer, as Villa prepare for some major squad surgery.

But the most talked about sale is the one they least welcome, as James Milner's future remains a hot talking point.

It has triggered growing speculation that whatever fee Villa receive for Milner will be part re-invested to sign Scott Parker from West Ham, the one player the Hammers have declared they will not part with this summer.

That has led to Karren Brady, now at Upton Park running the David Sullivan and David Gold operation, issuing a stern warning Villa to look elsewhere.

Brady said: "It's interesting that David Sullivan has given his word that Scott Parker will not be sold.

"I think that's absolutely what we wish to deliver to the supporters, that he's not going to be sold."