Aston Villa eye Schalke midfielder Anthony Annan?

Aston Villa are planning to swoop for Ghanaian midfielder Anthony Annan after Schalke 04 told him that he could look for a new club, according to reports.

The 26-year-old has not played for Schalke during pre-season after spending last term on loan in Holland with Vitesse Arnhem.

The Ghana international admitted that he will need to find a new club to play regular football this season.

He told Sky Sports News: "I have not been called up for any pre-season games, it's embarrassing.

"There has been some contact from clubs but I have two years on my contract with the German club, so we will have to see what happens."

Villa boss Paul Lambert is understood to be a big admirer of Annan and will make a formal enquiry to bring the player to the Premier League.