Aston Villa: Hamburg eye Villa star

Hamburg have declared an interest in signing Aston Villa and Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Hamburg's director of football Dietmar Beiersdorfer told the Hamburg Morgenpost newspaper: "It would be negligence not to have such a talent on our wish-list. He is an interesting player."

The 22-year-old earned his first cap for Germany in Saturday's 2-0 win over Iran and could be available on a free transfer in the summer when his contract with Villa expires.

This has attracted the attention of the north German side who are keen to strengthen their squad with home-grown talent.

Hamburg coach Klaus Toppmoller said: "It would be good to have a few German internationals from our side at the 2006 World Cup."

Sportinglife