Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is reportedly set to make a bid for Hamburg defender Dennis Diekmeier when the transfer window opens in January.

McLeish is keen to strengthen a defence that has began to leak goals at an alarming rate over the last month and was extremely unhappy with the performance of his back four in the recent win against Norwich.

Highly rated Diekmeier has been earmarked by the former Birmingham boss as a solution to his problems at full back with summer signing Alan Hutton and Stephen Warnock failing to make the necessary impact.

The 22-year-old has impressed whenever called into action at the Imtech Arena but with opportunities limited it’s likely the defender will seek first team football elsewhere.

Having made his debut for the German under-21 side last year the former Nurnberg right back’s displays in the Bundesliga have caught the attention of Villa and Serie A side Roma.

Both are expected to battle for his signature when the transfer window opens although it’s likely a move to Villa Park is likely to appeal more to the player.

Diekmeier is desperate to play for the German senior side having represented his country at every youth level and playing in the Premier League would certainly enhances his chances.