The central defender has now flown back home to Bucharest to prepare for his country’s World Cup qualifier against Italy next weekend, with any possible move to Villa unresolved.

Gregory is still weighing up his options and admitted: "We haven’t quite made up our minds but would like to see him play further games".

Prodan is available after having his contract cancelled with Glasgow Rangers on February 1 after not playing a game in his two and a half years at the club because of a knee problem.

Gregory is himself back out in Europe tonight, stepping up his bid to bring in new striking talent.

His destination is not clear but he has admitted that he is renewing his interest in Spanish international Javi Moreno who will be in UEFA Cup action tonight for Alaves.

On the domestic front Gregory has been keeping tabs on Grimsby keeper Danny Coyne and Wimbledon striker Jason Euell.

He watched the pair of them in Division One action at Blundell Park on Tuesday although there are unlikely to be any imminent move for either player.