O'Leary on the trail of Norway star

[andy villa]

David O'Leary is looking to Scandinavia to strengthen his Aston Villa squad as he seeks to make his first signing of the summer.

O'Leary is on the trail of the Norway winger Morten Gamst Pedersen.

The 22-year-old has been earning rave reviews for his club, Tromso, and Norway.

Villa will have a scout in attendance on Thursday when he lines-up for Tromso against Molde.

O'Leary is keen to bring in at least six new players this summer but only has limited funds at his disposal to do that.

Pedersen could well fit into his budgetary plans as he is available for between £1.5m and £2m.

If Villa do make a firm bid for him they may find themselves facing a battle for his signature.

Manchester United and Blackburn are also rumoured to be on the trail of Pedersen who can play on both wings and is also a free-kick specialist.

Blackburn have had him watched three times recently and would appear to be Villa's main rivals for his signature.

Pedersen also fits into the age category of players that Villa are keen to sign.

But it is the price that will appeal to O'Leary as he only has around £6m to spend on new players and has to make that stretch as far as he can either with loan deals or cut price signings.

The lack of cash has already prompted him to abandon an interest in Mark Van Bommel and Alan Smith.