Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly joined the race to sign Roma forward Mattia Destro, who has been linked with a move to Aston Villa.

Destro is expected to leave Roma this season as the Serie A club prepare for another title challenge, and reports earlier this week suggested that Villa had expressed an interest.

Tim Sherwood's side are in need of attacking reinforcements after selling Christian Benteke to Liverpool, but Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Leverkusen have joined the race to sign the 24-year-old.

After receiving a club-record fee for Benteke, Villa have the money to challenge for Destro's signature and they are also believed to be working on a deal for Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Destro, who scored just five Serie A goals last season, has also been linked with West Ham United.