Gary Cahill is reportedly close to rejoining Aston Villa following his release by Chelsea at the end of last season.

The English centre-back departed Stamford Bridge in May after seven-and-a-half years with the club and officially became a free agent earlier this week.

Leicester City, Arsenal, West Ham United and Crystal Palace have all been touted as possible next clubs for the 33-year-old, but the Daily Star suggests that he is heading back to Villa Park.

Cahill spent four years in the Villans' senior ranks after emerging through their academy, before joining Bolton Wanderers in 2008.

The report indicates that the experienced defender is now on the verge of becoming Dean Smith's sixth signing ahead of Villa's top-flight return.