Aston Villa set to land Charles N'Zogbia despite Sunderland's interest

Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Charles N'Zogbia despite a late attempt by Sunderland to hijack the deal. N'Zogbia is regarded as a natural replacement for Stewart Downing, with Villa planning to spend around half of the £20m they have received from Liverpool on the Wigan Athletic winger. Sunderland have belatedly entered the race and have faint hopes of persuading N'Zogbia to move to the Stadium of Light. Steve Bruce, the Sunderland manager, has coveted N'Zogbia for some time, although there is an acceptance that Villa are at the head of queue. Talks between Villa and Wigan are believed to be at an advanced stage and there is unlikely to be any problem with the personal terms. N'Zogbia is expected to agree a £65,000-a-week deal. Newcastle United had a strong interest in bringing N'Zogbia back to Tyneside – the 25-year-old was with the club between 2004 and 2009 before joining Wigan for £6m – but Alan Pardew has conceded defeat. "I am told that Charles has got an imminent move, so I don't think that will be us," the Newcastle manager said. Villa have still to conclude a deal for Shay Given, although they remain confident that it is only a matter of time before the 35-year-old goalkeeper moves to the Midlands. The delay is at the City end, with Given's representatives trying to reach an agreement over his settlement figure. The transfers involving Richard Dunne and Stephen Ireland, who also moved from City to Villa, were held up for similar reasons. Villa could yet move for another City player, with Shaun Wright-Phillips understood to be on their radar. Wright-Phillips is one of a number of players on the fringes that City have deemed surplus to requirements.