Littlearthur

Martin O'Niell is on the verge of a shock double swoop for Wesley Sneijder from Ajax and Phillipe Lahm from Bayern Munich, for around £15M. Sneijder, 22, a regular for the Dutch national team under manager Marco Van Basten, has been tracked by many top european clubs. Lahm, 21, who came to prominence during the World Cup with the first goal of the tournament for the host nation, is just the sort of attacking left back Villa have been hunting. This would continue Martin O'Niells policy of recruiting the best young talent available. Villa would love to sign both players but may have to settle for one, it is thought that the Sneijder deal is more likely to go through before the window slams shut, as Ajax have a history of selling off their players.