Villa target Arsenal striker

Aston Villa are plotting a January bid for Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner, according to reports on Sunday.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier is keen to bring in at least one new striker with John Carew likely to leave the club this winter, and owner Randy Lerner is thought to be ready to release funds for Houllier to spend in the transfer window.

Now Bendtner has emerged as a key target for Houllier, especially since the Denmark hitman revealed he was unhappy at the club and would seek a move if he didn't get more games.

"If the situation doesn't change - if I keep sitting on the bench at Arsenal I must leave. It's as simple as that," he said.

Bendtner was not involved in yesterday's North London derby.