Villa set sights on Stocker

Skysports.com understands Aston Villa have joined the chase for highly-rated Basel midfielder Valentin Stocker.

The Switzerland international has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe, including Liverpool, but now Villa have expressed an interest in the midfielder.

New Villa boss Gerard Houllier is keen to reshape the squad at Villa Park in January and midfield reinforcements are his top priority having seen his options hit by injuries to Nigel Reo-Coker, Steve Sidwell and Stiliyan Petrov.

Villa are believed to have made an enquiry for 21-year-old Stocker as Houllier looks to bolster his squad next month.

Stocker has impressed for club and country in the last 12 months and the attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the best young players to emerge from the country in recent years.

Basel are loathe to lose Stocker and they are determined to fend off any bids for their prize asset in January.