Battle to sign Colin Healy

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND international Colin Healy has opened talks with Aston Villa and Sunderland and his legal representative Mel Stein has warned clubs that they are looking to conclude a deal quickly.

Stein said: “I am in dialogue with Villa and Sunderland but I have no idea whether there will be any movement in the next few days.”

Healy is hoping for a quick move after deciding to leave Celtic last season but, with most managers on holidays before the start of pre-season training in the next two weeks, it looks more likely that he may have to wait.