Villans eye Malaga duo

The Premiership outfit have been following the pair for the past two months, and again had scouts present at Malaga's home game with Espanyol last weekend.

Both players impressed as Juande Ramos' team put on one of their best displays of the campaign in a 5-2 win.

Villa are understood to have originally been attracted by reports of Uruguayan international Romero, 27, but Miguel Angel has also caught their eye.

The 25-year-old, like Romero, also plays in midfield but in a more advanced role than the South American who tends to sit in front of the back four.

It is likely that David O'Leary would only move for one of the players, though both are under consideration to strengthen his midfield options.

Although the players themselves have denied any knowledge of Villa's supposed interest, the Midlanders are thought to be asked for further videos of the duo.

Meanwhile, while confirming they were aware of the presence of Villa scouts at their games this term, Malaga did not pass further comment on the reports.