Strachan in a sweat as Koumas weighs up interest from Villa

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West Brom midfielder Koumas has headed off on holiday after Euro 2008 qualification duty and will decide on his future when he returns, although he appears to favour a move to the Premiership.

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Decision time: Jason Koumas has a choice of destinations if he decides to leave the Hawthorns

Celtic are keen on the 27-year-old but O'Neill is determined to persuade Koumas to make the short journey to Aston Villa and, backed by new owner Randy Lerner's millions, could offer higher wages.

"I have known about Aston Villa's interest, so it is no surprise," said Koumas, who would also be interested in a move to Everton. "But I'll have a break and decide what I'm going to do in a couple of weeks.

"Any player will say they should be in the Premiership and I am no different. I'm a local lad from Liverpool, so I suppose a move back to the city would be a dream move for me.

"I hope I am in the Premiership next season but, if it doesn't happen, I will just keep playing to the best of my ability with West Brom."

Strachan has also been credited with an interest in Koumas's club colleague Diomansy Kamara, albeit West Brom want £9m for the highly-rated pair.

One player who could be heading for The Hawthorns, meanwhile, is Scotland striker Garry O'Connor.

West Brom's play-off loss at Wembley and the subsequent financial hit had prompted fears they would be unable to match the £16,000-a-week package O'Connor earns at Lokomotiv Moscow.

But the player's agent, Rudi Vata, said: "He needs to be with people who know and care for him. John Park at Celtic and Tony Mowbray are two such people.

"In England, West Brom would be good because he had a fantastic relationship with Tony and I can assure everyone that Garry is a better player than when he was at Hibs. That said, I don't know whether they will be able to afford his wages."

Another player angling for a move is Celtic midfielder Jiri Jarosik.

The former Chelsea star last night said: "The SPL is all about fighting and challenging. I felt better in England. If I move, I'd like to go to England or Russia. I heard my name linked with Tottenham and that would be good."