Former Fulham defender Zat Knight could be ready to make a £3 million switch to Bolton.
The former Fulham man seems set on a move this summer with Villa actively courting Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin.
Villa have were also rumoured to be weighing up a move for Titus Bramble of Wigan, as well as former Arsenal and England centre-back Sol Campbell, who became a free agent when his contract at Portsmouth ran out at the start of the month.
The Birmingham Mail claims Trotters boss Gary Megson is weighing up a £3m move for the defender.
Knight has also been linked with a move to Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers, but Megson he may be able to get his man should he act quickly.
Bolton are also expected to strengthen their defence with the imminent signing of left-back Paul Robinson from West Bromwich Albion, who it is anticipated will cost the club around £750,000.