Prem duo chase Diarra

Diarra: Premier League interest

Sky Sports News sources understand Aston Villa and Everton are considering January bids for Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra.

The Mali international has struggled for playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu this season following Jose Mourinho's appointment as coach.

Mourinho has reportedly informed the 29-year-old he can leave in the transfer window and a clutch of clubs are chasing the former Lyon ace.

Premier League interest has been shown in the past and Liverpool were rumoured to have been offered the chance to sign Diarra in the summer.

However, it now appears that Villa and Everton are at the forefront of the queue to bring Diarra to England in the New Year.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier worked with Diarra in Lyon and is looking to improve his midfield options after allowing Steve Sidwell to join West Ham United.

Turkish rivals Besiktas and Galatasaray are also keen on Diarra and it appears certain he will be on his way out of Real next month.

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