Aston Villa are reportedly still interested in signing Daniel Sturridge from Liverpool this summer despite the striker's recent ban for breaching betting restrictions.
The striker was fined £75,000 and handed a six-week ban after being found guilty of two of the 11 betting charges brought against him.
However, the Football Association is working to increase the sentence, arguing that the player had used "cynical determination" to help betting by others regarding a transfer deal in January 2018, which it believes warrants a six-month suspension.
According to The Mirror, Villa remain keen on striking a deal for Sturridge and have been pushing the FA to reach a decision over its investigation.
Sturridge, who scored four times in 27 games last season, will leave Liverpool as a free agent this summer.
The 29-year-old has reportedly held talks with the newly-promoted club over a potential return to Villa Park, where he began his youth career in 1996.
Leo Nieboer
