Aston Villa agree N’Zogbia fee with Wigan

Aston Villa are a step closer to signing Charles N'Zogbia from Wigan, after the two sides agreed a fee of £9.5m.

Wigan owner Dave Whelan rejected Villa's £9m offer last week, stating that his club would not sell for anything less than the £10m asking price.

However, it has since been reported that both sides have agreed a compromise fee, as Wigan do not wish to risk losing N'Zogbia next summer on a free.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is a known admirer of the former Newcastle man, having tried to sign him for Birmingham a year ago.

After already losing Ashley Young and Stewart Downing to top clubs this summer, the Scot has made it a priority to sign quality replacements and aims to agree personal terms within the next 24 hours.