Aston Villa have staged preliminary talks with Tottenham as they look to structure a deal to sign striker Emmanuel Adebayor, a source has told ESPN.
With Liverpool set to confirm the signing of Villa striker Christian Benteke imminently after the Anfield club activated his £32.5 million release clause in his contract, the Villa are eager to act swiftly to replace their leading striker.
Reports in recent weeks have linked Villa boss Tim Sherwood with a move for Adebayor and now ESPN have been informed that preliminary talks have begun between the two clubs over a possible deal for the 31-year-old Togo international.
Adebayor's wage demands may be a stumbling block in any potential deal, but the striker who fell out of favour under Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino last season may be tempted to kick-start his career under the coach who briefly revived his fortunes at Tottenham in the second half of the 2013-14 season.
Sherwood brought Adebayor back into the first team fold when he took over as the club's manager in December 2013, with the striker rewarding him for his recall with 11 goals in a successful end to the campaign.
"We know he is one of best in league and when he performs at his best," said Sherwood during Adebayor's revival under his watch at Spurs. "He is a real handful for any defender and is close to unstoppable at times."
It remains to be seen whether Sherwood could inspire Adebayor to return to top form after he made just three Premier League appearances in 2015, after a year that has seen the striker suffer a slump in form on the pitch and personal difficulties off it.