Villa target Magpies ace

N'Zogbia on O'Neill's radar

Last updated: 18th December 2008

Villa target Magpies ace

N'Zogbia: Versatile

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Newcastle star Charles N'Zogbia is a surprise target for Aston Villa, skysports.com understands.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is believed to be a big fan of the young Frenchman and is thought to be monitoring his situation at Newcastle.

N'Zogbia's future at St James' Park has been the subject of speculation for some time with the player frustrated at his lack of regular first-team football.

The likes of Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain have been linked with N'Zogbia in the past, but now Villa have joined his list of admirers.

The versatile performer could be the answer to Villa's problematic left-back spot, with Nicky Shorey failing to hold down a place in the side in recent weeks and Luke Young being used as a makeshift stand-in.

N'Zogbia also fits the bill in the type of player O'Neill is keen to bring into Villa Park and he could be keen to add to his squad in January as the looks to maintain Villa's bid for a top-four finish.

Magpies boss Joe Kinnear has expressed a desire to keep N'Zogbia, but he could be tempted to sell him in order to raise funds for his own signings.