Villa handed clear run to land Pederson

[andy villa]

Aston Villa have been handed a clear run to try and sign the Norwegian winger, Morten Gamst Pedersen.

Villa have been tracking the 20-year-old Tromso wide-man for the last few months.

They had looked set to miss out on the race for his signature to their Premiership rivals, Blackburn Rovers.

But Blackburn boss Graeme Souness was unable to agree a fee for Pedersen.

He has now formally scrapped his interest in Pedersen after signing another winger, Javier de Pedro, from Real Sociedad.

That has left the way clear for David O'Leary to make a move for the highly-rated Pedersen.

Villa have had Pedersen watched and there is no doubt that O'Leary is a big admirer.

But whether he can stretch his transfer budget to pull off a deal remains to be seen.

O'Leary has limited funds at his disposal. He has already spent £3m this summer on signing the Danish international central defender Martin Laursen.

Villa have also earmarked a further £1.5m to sign the former French under-21 international midfielder Mathieu Berson from Nantes on a four-year deal.

O'Leary has also been linked with a £4m move for Leeds United's James Milner as well as a loan move for Chelsea striker Carlton Cole.

Cole spent last season on-loan at Charlton and they are keen to keep him at The Valley for another year.

[The Rule]

How much will Pederson cost?

[andy villa]

i think about 2mil maybe 2.5.... i cant see us gettin all these players tbh... id like us to get this guy though. hed be cover for both wings and is supposed to be a great prospect.....

[andy villa]

Newcastle are weighing up a summer swoop for long-term target Morten Gamst Pedersen, but face competition from several Premiership rivals.

United's chief scout Charlie Woods watched the highly-rated left-winger in action for

his Norwegian club Tromso on Sunday night.

The Magpies want strong competition for the inconsistent Laurent Robert out on the left flank and feel that Pedersen would fit the bill.

They also want to cover their options in case they receive an offer for the Frenchman from suitors Marseille, where Robert's former agent Pape Diouf has just taken over as director of sport.

However, Newcastle will face stiff competition for 22-year-old Pedersen, who

is also attracting interest from Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Blackburn.

Tromso boss Per Mathias Hogmo said: "We have had it confirmed that agents from Villa and Newcastle will be at the Molde game."