Premiership: Villa in hunt for French star

John Gregory has confirmed his interest in signing Parma's French international Johan Micoud.

Gregory admits that he needs to strengthen his squad as injuries start to take their toll.

And he is keen to bring the Micoud, part of France's squad for the World Cup and Euro 2000, to Villa Park.

He said: "We have been linked with Johan and he is one of a number of people we are interested in. The squad needs strengthening.

"We've played 16 matches and we're just starting to creak a little because of knocks and bruises kicking in.

"We need a couple of additions and Micoud is one we have been interested in for a considerable time."