Italian international midfielder Alessandro Diamanti has emerged as a transfer target for Premier League strugglers Aston Villa, according to reports.

The 31-year-old, who has 17 caps for Italy, is currently on loan at Fiorentina from Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande.

With that loan deal due to expire this summer, Villa boss Tim Sherwood will attempt to bring Diamanti to the Premier League in a cut-price deal, reports the Daily Star.

Diamanti, who spent a season with West Ham United five years ago, scored the spot kick which knocked England out of Euro 2012.