Keisuke Honda’s potential move to Lazio could be scuppered by Aston Villa making a late bid for the Japanese international.

According to sources the 25-year-old has agreed terms with the Italian side but this news has triggered a last minute play by Villa, who are keen to add some quality to their ranks by bringing in the set-piece specialist.

His current side CSKA Moscow have been rather open regarding the price tag for their player, which is around the £12m mark, and although Lazio have matched that, Villa have allegedly tabled their own £12m bid.

Speculation regarding his future has been one of the biggest topics in this year’s transfer window, it seems as a move is very much likely but no-one seems to know where. Liverpool, Manchester City and Lazio all looked the front runners, but even now with the Lazio offer being accepted, Honda could have the option to move to England with Villa – something he is open to doing apparently.

Aston Villa fans are currently disillusioned with life so far under new manager Alex McLeish’s. They are set up very defensively minded and although not in danger of relegation they are unlikely to make a move into the European places. A signing like Honda would not only give them an added attack-minded dimension but also would get the  fans back on side. It could be a case however of the club moving too late in order to get their man.

Honda spent four years at J-League side Nagoya Grampus until 2007 before moving to VVV Venlo. He joined CSKA in January 2010 and has continued to build a reputation up as one of the best free-kick takers in world football.