Aston Villa’s Gary Gardner is a target for former club Nottingham Forest but Barnsley are also interested.
Though a disastrous 3-0 defeat at Cardiff City on Saturday may have Aston Villa supporters concerned about the strength of their squad, they have one of the most impressive midfields in the second tier on paper.
Henri Lansbury, Connor Hourihane and Mile Jedinak are proven Championship talent while summer signings Glenn Whelan and Josh Onomah add composure and creativity respectively.
As a result, there appears to be no immediate place in the side for homegrown midfielder Gary Gardner. The 25-year-old was a regular in the first few weeks of last season under Roberto Di Matteo but fell out of favour once Steve Bruce took over in October, starting just 18 league games.
He is yet to make an appearance this season. Though there are a few clubs in the division who would jump at the chance of adding Gardner to their squad.
The Daily Mail reported last month that Nottingham Forest were keen to rescue Gardner from his Villa purgatory, the forgotten man keen to leave for more regular game time.
The former England Under-21 international enjoyed impressive loan spells at the City Ground in 2015 and 2016, his positive displays earning him fans favourite status.
The Tykes have brought in four central midfielders already this summer, though none can call upon useful Championship experience.
However, Barnsley are enduring a difficult start to the season, losing against both Bristol City and Ipswich Town while reeling from the departure of yet more key players in the summer.
Forest, meanwhile, appear to be on the up under Mark Warburton and Gardner could add youth to an ageing midfield.
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