Villa vying for Tuncay signature

And with the former Fenerbahce man having netted 15 league goals for Gareth Southgate's side since arriving in 2007 - including several acrobatic efforts - interest in his services is likely to be widespread.

Liverpool and Fulham have already been linked with his signature during the close-season, with the striker previously admitting that the prospect of playing for Rafael Benitez's side and partnering Fernando Torres in attack would be an exciting one.

"Yes, I've heard something about that but nothing official has arrived to me," he said.

"Of course I would like to play for a big club."

However, Martin O'Neill's side are now thought to be leading the race for the front-man's signature, with the Villa Park outfit keen to build on last season's sixth-placed finish in the Premier League and gatecrash the Big Four to qualify for the Champions League in 2010/11.

NEWS: Tuncay reveals Liverpool appeal

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Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.