Bani Yas have turned to Aston Villa outcast Charles N’Zogbia as they bid to end their exhaustive search for a new winger.

N’Zogbia, 29, has fallen out of favour with the Premier League strugglers and has not been named in a matchday squad by boss Tim Sherwood so far this season. The situation has seen the Sky Blues make an enquiry about his services, also expressing a willingess to pay a transfer fee.

The France international has one year left on his contract signed in July 2011 following a reported £9.5 million (Dh54.3m) switch from Wigan Athletic. The Midlanders are keen to shed N’Zogbia from their wage bill and are willing to do a deal, if the player – who has scored four goals in 77 top-flight appearances for Villa – can be convinced to depart for the Arabian Gulf League.

Bani Yas have one spot open in their four-player foreign quota after deciding Spanish playmaker Joan Verdu is surplus to requirements.

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They began the summer by tabling an ambitious contract offer to Brazil forward Robinho prior to his move to Chinese Super League-giants Guangzhou Evergrande, later agreeing a fee and personal terms with Jires Kembo Ekoko this month only for the Al Ain star to snub them in favour of Al Nasr.

Luis Garcia’s men – who began their AGL campaign with a 2-0 victory against Al Shaab last Thursday – have also made their interest known in Al Ahli wide man Oussama Assaidi. 

N’Zogbia would complete an impressive new foreign quartet, already containing Australia midfielder Mark Milligan, Algeria forward Ishak Belfodil and ex-Celta Vigo target man Joaquin Larrivey.