Aston Villa have looked into the potential signing of Southampton centre-back Jan Bednarek but face competition for his signature, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Steven Gerrard has overseen a busy few months of business at Villa Park but still has time to strengthen ahead of the September 1 deadline.

What is the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

Bednarek is reportedly looking to leave St Mary’s in the summer transfer window, according to Polish outlet Meczyki.

They claim that a number of Serie A clubs are interested in signing the 42-cap Poland international, including Napoli and Jose Mourinho’s Roma side.

Football Insider have now reported that Villa have submitted a loan offer for the 26-year-old as they look for reinforcements following an injury suffered by Diego Carlos.

The outlet state that this is the reason a loan offer has been made rather than a permanent one.

Bednarek, who is valued at just under £20 million by Transfermarkt, was not involved for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side as they came from behind to beat Leicester City 2-1 in the East Midlands.

Elsewhere, a transfer for Watford winger Ismaila Sarr has collapsed after concerns were raised over the winger’s personal demands.

What has Jones said on Bednarek?

Jones understands that Villa have considered a move for for the £60,000-per-week star this summer but face competition from a number of other clubs.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Bednarek is one they have looked into but at the moment they are just one of a few teams to have begun enquiries.”

Why are Villa chasing a new centre-back?

The West Midlands outfit were dealt a huge blow in the dying moments of their second match of the season when Carlos was withdrawn in injury time against Everton.

It was later confirmed by the club that the Brazilian had ruptured his Achilles tendon, potentially leaving him out of action until next year.

Carlos only made the move to Villa Park in the summer, completing a £26 million transfer from Sevilla, but the club have already been left looking for a replacement.

The 29-year-old was one of five permanent transfers made by Villa this summer, with Philippe Coutinho, Robin Olsen, Boubacar Kamara and Ludwig Augustinsson also making the move.

Bednarek may still be added to that list and would bring with him plenty of experience having already made 133 top-flight appearances.

He would therefore need no time to adapt to the demands of Premier League football, potentially making him an ideal stand-in for Carlos.