VILLA boss Dean Smith is reportedly interested in Barnsley central defender Liam Lindsay.
Scotsman Lindsay, 23, has been a key part of the Tykes’ League One promotion bid this season and Villa have taken notice.
But they also face competition from Brighton, Leeds United and Celtic this summer.
The Mirror says Villa are prepared to offer £5million for Lindsay who cost Barnsley £350,000 when he was signed from Partick Thistle two years ago.
And he has been described as the best player to come out of Thistle since Alan Hansen moved to Liverpool 42 years ago!
Villa would not be able to hold on to on-loan Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mears if they miss out on promotion.
And Smith will look to beef up his defence this summer to try and avoid a repeat of this season where defensive problems mid-season set Villa back in terms of cementing a top six spot.
Smith has already said he has two lists of targets.
One for a possible Premier League promotion and another if they stay put in the Championship.
But Lindsay could be on his way to Villa Park no matter how the next few weeks pan out for Smith.
Villa Roar 