Aston Villa are reportedly considering a move for Southampton defender Jack Stephens.
According to the Daily Mirror, cited by HITC, Villa are considering making a move for Stephens, days after completing a deal for left-back Matt Targett.
Villa reportedly paid the Saints a fee in the region of £15m for Targett’s services, with boss Dean Smith now turning his attention to bolstering his options at the heart of the defence.
Tyrone Mings and Axel Tuanzebe played a key role in helping Villa to a top-flight return and have both been shortlisted as potential permanent signings.
However, Tuanzebe is thought to be keen on staying with parent club Manchester United, while Villa are in continued discussions with Bournemouth over a deal for Mings.
If Villa fail to land either of the two, Smith may well give officials at Villa Park the green light to make a move for Stephens, who has been with the club since 2011.
The former Plymouth Argyle youngster made 29 appearances in all competitions for Southampton last season and was regularly used by Ralph Hasenhuttl at St Mary’s.
