Aston Villa leading the chase for Dorin Goian

Aston Villa are leading the chase for £5.5million-rated Romania defender Dorin Goian. The giant-centre back, who currently plays his club football with Steaua Bucharest, has been earmarked as the perfect replacement for club skipper Martin Laursen.Laursen is expected to announce his retirement at the end of the season after failing to overcome a serious knee injury, leaving boss Martin O'Neill searching for a new defensive rock.

Goian, 28, is desperate to leave Steaua with the club currently languishing sixth in the Romanian division after a disappointing season.

And O'Neill is ready to take the player to Villa Park this summer as he looks to bolster his options ahead of the new season.