Graham Taylor will make Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane his first major signing as Aston Villa boss.
And the Sunderland star could move to the Midlands in a £3million deal before the World Cup finals.
Irish international Kevin Kilbane is on his way to Aston Villa (Sports.com)
Kilbane, an ever present in Mick McCarthy's World Cup team, will be sold by Peter Reid once Sunderland's relegation-haunted season comes to an end.
The Wearsiders, European contenders a year ago, have battled against the drop all season with several players, including Kilbane, coming in for criticism from their own fans.
Now Taylor is set to offer the 25-year-old a fresh start as he builds for the future.
And Villa are set to beat off competition from Middlesbrough and Everton to land the left sided player signed by Reid from West Bromwich Albion.
Kilbane has just endured a topsy turvy season at the Stadium of Light when his inconsistent first team opportunities threatened his international place.
He has clashed with Reid on a number of occasions after being left out of the side, particularly over the winter period.
And Kilbane knows that the chance to work with Taylor, and fellow Irish international Steve Staunton, at Villa Park is too good to turn down.
"Kevin is top of Graham Taylor's wish list for the summer," revealed a Villa source.
"Graham has always liked big, strong players down the flanks and Kevin fits that bill perfectly. He has done a great job there for Ireland and it is that sort of consistency that Graham wants in the Villa team next season."
03/05/2002, 2:48 PM
Colm
It would probabley be a good move for him because he is despised by the sunderland supporters and that cant be good for his game or his confidence.
