WEST HAM: Villa in for Hammers star (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WEST HAM: Villa in for Hammers star

1:44pm Thursday 30th July 2009 in

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ASTON VILLA are set to offer £12million for West Ham defender Matthew Upson, according to reports.

The Daily Mirror claim Villains boss Martin O'Neill is keen to recruit the Hammers centre-half after a terrific season at Upton Park last year.

Upson was the linchpin at the heart of the Irons defence last season, forming impressive partnerships with both James Collins and youngster James Tomkins.

Manager Gianfranco Zola will be loath to lose one of his prize assets, although a large offer may prove difficult for the club to turn down.