Premiership: James in talks with West Ham

David James is holding talks with West Ham after Aston Villa accepted an offer for the England goalkeeper.

Villa's operations director, Steve Stride, revealed the news to the club's website.

Paul Merson said on Monday that the club would be wrong to let the goalkeeper leave.

Stride told the club's website: "We've accepted an offer from West Ham.

"It's now up to David James. He is in talks with them this afternoon."

Merson hit out at the club saying: "David James is first class. He is a phenomenal talent and I can't believe that Villa might want to let him go."

James' possible departure swiftly follows Gareth Southgate's proposed move to Middlesbrough.

That deal is subject to him passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.