Sylvain Distin's agent has confirmed Aston Villa want the Frenchman.
Sylvain Distin's agent has confirmed Aston Villa are keen on signing the Manchester City defender.Villa are believed to have had a bid in the region of £5.5 million for Distin rejected by City.
Distin is thought to be David O'Leary's top summer transfer target as he looks to bolster his defence for next season.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a fine season with City last term and Newcastle failed in a bid to sign him during the last transfer window in January.
Distin's agent Willie McKay admitted that Villa are chasing the former Paris Saint Germain ace.
"Distin is David's first priority but the clubs have to agree a fee first," said McKay.
Despite seeing their first offer for Distin rejected, Villa are expected to make a renewed attempt to lure the Frenchman to Villa Park.
It is thought that City could be willing to do a deal if Villa increase their offer to £6.5 million for Distin.
Meanwhile, Olof Mellberg is confident he will be fit for the start of pre-season training.
The Swedish international missed the last few weeks of last season with a knee problem and was forced to undergo surgery on the injury.
It was feared he may miss the start of pre-season training, but Mellberg believes he will be fit in time to join training with the rest of his team-mates.
"Hopefully I will be fit for the start of the pre-season in five or six weeks," said Mellberg.
"The next two weeks are important. I want to be fit at the end of these two weeks, then have a break and then get back to Villa fully fit and raring to go."
