Real Zaragoza midfielder Jermaine Pennant could be set to return to England just six months after leaving, with Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill reportedly interested in the winger.

The 26-year-old arrived at La Romareda on a free transfer from Liverpool in the summer, but has failed to impress in Spain, contributing no goals and no assists in ten appearances for the La Liga outfit.

However, it seems Pennant could be on his way back to blighty, with Villa boss O'Neill thought to be a big admirer and considering bringing him in to give his team some balance, according to the News of the World.

Villa currently boast three England internationals on the left side of their team in Ashley Young, James Milner and Stewart Downing, but have little in the way of options on the right.

The move could prove controversial in the Midlands as prior to Pennant moving to Liverpool he played for Villa's fierce rivals Birmingham City.

Pennant claimed recently that he was still hopeful of being named in the England squad to go to the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer.

"The ambition is to get into the World Cup squad. I've never been named in a squad, but I've never given up hope. Fabio Capello has twice been a manager out here and if he comes to Spain he's only coming to watch one player.

"Ian Wright got into the England team when he was 26 or 27 and I know it can be done.

"My assets are pace, going past players and crossing. I don't think anyone in that squad crosses the ball as well as me."

Pennant must be working on the assumption that Capello will opt against taking David Beckham, Ashley Young, James Milner, Stewart Downing, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips, David Bentley or Joe Cole.

If that were to be the case then maybe Pennant would be the best crosser in the squad...maybe.