Aston Villa are reportedly targeting Slovakia goalkeeper Marian Kello.

The Premier League side could land the player on a free transfer after he negotiated an early release from his contract with Hearts of Midlothian.

Kello fell out of favour with the Scottish club's owner Vladimir Romanov when he turned down a transfer to Austria Vienna in January. He would have been a free agent at the end of the season.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Tynecastle and would like to take this opportunity to thank my team-mates and the Hearts supporters who have always made me feel so welcome," he said following his Hearts exit.

"I will always value my time at the club and wish them all the very best for the rest of the season."

A Hearts spokesperson said: "We would like to thank Marian for his services as he proved himself to be a key player for the club during his time here."

Kello joined Hearts from Kaunas in 2008. He was named as the club's player of the year last season.