Brescia eye Balaban

Balaban has endured a torrid time at Villa Park since arriving for £6 million from Dinamo Zagreb in August.

He has yet to start a Premiership game for Villa, and has made just two substitute appearances this year.

His only starts were in the Uefa Cup and Worthington Cup but he has neither scored nor completed 90 minutes.

The 23-year-old recently hinted he was ready to leave Villa in order to gain first team football although manager Graham Taylor insists Balaban is in his plans.

But last month's acquisition of Peter Crouch will leave Balaban further down the pecking order and reports in Italy suggest Brescia are prepared to offer him a chance to resurrect his career.

While a switch to Italy may appeal to Balaban, Brescia's precarious status in Serie A may jeopardise any swoop as they are fighting for survival.

It is unlikely Balaban would relish the opportunity of life outside the top flight, even with the promise of first team football.