Levante are ready to make a renewed effort to sign Aston Villa
defender Olof Mellberg.
The struggling Spanish side tried to capture the Sweden
international in pre-season, but failed to tempt Villa into a
sale.
The club claimed Villa's valuation of Mellberg scuppered a deal,
but Levante are prepared to try again after an injury to
Alvaro.
An offer of 3million (£2million) is expected to fall into Martin
O'Neill's lap and he will decide whether Mellberg can move
on.
Reports in Spain suggest Levante will offer the centre-half an
18-month contract, if they can persuade O'Neill to sell.
Alternatively, a loan deal until the end of the season has been
mooted, with Levante determined to snare their man.
Coach Abel Resino confirmed he is desperate to sign a player with
the Swede's qualities before the close of the transfer
window.
Resino told the Spanish media: "We need the presence in defence of
an experienced man like Mellberg.
"It is a priority for us in our fight to avoid relegation."
Mellberg has started every Premiership game for Villa this season
and O'Neill may be reluctant to lose the stopper.