Taylor targets Macedonian

Reports in the Midlands claim the under-pressure Villa boss travelled to Switzerland to see the Macedonian international in action in the Champions League tie with Basel.

Bayern Munich and Arsenal have previously shown an interest in the stopper, who is at home in the centre of defence or at full back, with Mitreski claiming back in June, 2001, that he actually had an offer to join Arsene Wenger's side.

However, the 23-year-old has now attracted Taylor's attention, and was also monitored during the 5-0 hammering at the hands of Liverpool at Anfield in midweek.

Mitreski arrived at Spartak after previously representing FK Kumanovo.

Villa are likely to be in the market for a new defender, with Turkish star Alpay's future at the club still very much in doubt, and Mitreski is likely to be one of the names on Taylor's list of targets.