O'Leary draws transfer battle lines

[andy villa]

Villa boss David O'Leary is gearing up for a second city transfer battle with Birmingham counterpart Steve Bruce this summer.

O'Leary and Bruce look set to go head to head this summer in a battle to land the players they want to strengthen their squads.

Three players are known to be targets for the duo, who both plan to be busy in the transfer market this summer rebuilding their squads after major departures from both Villa Park and

St Andrews this summer.

Both O'Leary and Bruce are known admirers of Leicester midfielder Muzzy Izzet, Leeds striker Alan Smith and PSV Eindhoven forward Mateja Kezman.

Villa have long been linked with a move for Izzet, who will be available as a free agent this summer when his contract at The Walkers Stadium comes to an end.

The battle for his signature could come down to a straight bidding war on who can pay the highest wages.

Smith prospered under O'Leary at Leeds and would probably jump at the chance to renew his links with his former mentor.

But Bruce made an enquiry for him in January and has the cash to make a bid for the England international.

Kezman, who has been scoring freely for PSV this season, has been watched by both Villa and Birmingham in the last few weeks.

Kezman is planning to leave PSV this summer and make a move to the Premiership.

Newcastle and Fulham are also keen on the Serbian international.

[Danny]

Let me get this straight, you have roughly 2.5million to spend and o'dreary likes kezman, izzet and alan smith? How does that one work then?

[andy villa]

i know..... i was crap at math at school but the figures just dont work in my head...... *scratches head*