HITC Sport understands Aston Villa midfielder is a target for several Championship clubs.
Aston Villa’s Gary Gardner in action against Wigan Athletic’s David Perkins (R)
A number of Championship clubs are monitoring Gary Gardner’s situation at Aston Villa, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.
Gardner has not travelled with the Villa squad for their pre-season tour of Germany, alerting his suitors to his potential availability.
Gardner, who has come through the ranks at Villa Park, has been unable to nail down a regular place in the Villa side since making his debut in 2011.
Gary Gardner celebrates scoring for Aston Villa
The all-action midfielder was regarded as one of the best prospects when he broke into the Villa side as a teenager, but early injuries and several changes to management personnel have held up his progress.
Gardner made a big impression during two loan spells at Nottingham Forest and they were keen to sign on a permanent basis last January, only for Villa to keep him at Villa Park.
Gardner made 27 appearances in all competitions for Villa last season, scoring a spectacular goal for the club in the 1-1 derby draw with Birmingham City in October.
The recent arrival of Glenn Whelan from Stoke City has increased competition for places in Villa’s midfield next season and with Gardner likely to be down the pecking order, he is keen to move on in search of regular first-team football.
There is sure to be no shortage of takers in the Championship for the former England Under-21 international.
Aston Villa’s Gary Gardner in action with Sheffield Wednesday’s Sam Winnall
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