The Belgian striker has long been on the Reds' radar, having scored 42 goals in 88 Villa appearances.
Some bad news for Shay Given – his manager at new club Stoke, Mark Hughes says Jack Butland will start the season as the club's first choice goalkeeper.
This follows the departure of Asmir Begovic to Chelsea.
Despite Given's arrival from Manchester City, Hughes says Butland will be the Potters' number 1.
