Villa return for Stephens

Aston Villa have upped their offer for Charlton midfielder Dale Stephens, Sky Sports understands.

Aston Villa make new bid for Charlton ace

Aston Villa have upped their offer for Charlton midfielder Dale Stephens, Sky Sports understands. And it is understood the 22-year-old has told the Championship club he wants to move to Villa Park. Sky Sports revealed earlier this week that Villa had lodged a bid for Stephens but that offer of around £1.5million was rejected. Villa have now increased their offer, believed to be £2million, and are hopeful of landing him on Friday. Charlton do not want to lose Stephens, but the player has confirmed to the club his desire to leave and the two clubs are now in talks over a deal. Villa boss Paul Lambert says he is hoping to hear back from Charlton sooner rather than later. He said: "I've not heard anything back from that one. That is in Charlton's court at the moment."