Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is set to step up his interest in signing striker Craig Bellamy if he becomes surplus to requirements at Liverpool.

The Welsh international forged a good relationship with O'Neill during a successful loan spell at Celtic two-and-a-half years ago.

And O'Neill would welcome the opportunity to work with the player on a long-term basis should speculation that Rafael Benitez is ready to off-load the player after just one season prove correct.

Bellamy, who is also attracting interest from Blackburn, has struggled to hold down a regular place and was an unused substitute during Wednesday's Champions League final against AC Milan in Athens.

O'Neill, with the substantial financial backing of club owner Randy Lerner, will firm up his interest if Benitez is ready to show Bellamy the Anfield exit door.

Portsmouth's 25-year-old utility player Matthew Taylor is also believed to be on O'Neill's radar if he can be prised away from Fratton Park.

Taylor has carved out a reputation for scoring spectacular goals and netted nine times during 2006-2007.

Meanwhile, the off-loading of fringe players at Villa is beginning to gather pace with Lee Hendrie poised to follow Bolton-bound Jlloyd Samuel in ending a long association with the club.

Hendrie spent a successful loan spell last season with Stoke who are keen to retain his services full-time on a free transfer but they face competition from Leicester and Coventry.

One-time England player Hendrie spent 12 years at Villa but he became surplus to requirements once O'Neill took charge.

Hendrie said: "Villa will always have a special place in my heart after so many years but I have to move on and I am still hungry to do well."