Aston Villa are 'trying to complete a deal' which would see Southampton star Jan Bednarek head to Villa Park ahead of the fast-approaching deadline, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Head coach Steven Gerrard has already spent close to £50million on bolstering his squad, but he could make further additions ahead of tomorrow's 11pm cut-off point.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

What's the latest news involving Bednarek?

Bednarek may still have close to three years to run on his £60,000-per-week Southampton contract, but it appears that a deadline day move away from St Mary's could be on the cards.

According to The Athletic, Villa are looking to sign the central defender on loan and discussions are at an advanced stage.

The report suggests Gerrard has made sourcing a replacement for Diego Carlos, who made the £26million move from La Liga giants Sevilla earlier in the transfer window, a priority but he is facing competition from West Ham United and Leicester City.

Villa suffered a serious blow earlier this month when Carlos ruptured his Achilles’ tendon, resulting in the Midlands giants being light at the heart of the back four.

It is understood that West Ham have held talks over landing Bednarek on a temporary basis in case Craig Dawson, who also been linked with a switch to Villa Park, departs.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Bednarek?

Romano understands that a deal which would take Bednarek to Villa could be in the offing as he has been identified as a target.

The respected journalist is aware that the Midlands outfit are attempting to push through the transfer ahead of the deadline.

Romano told GIVEMESPORT: "I think Bednarek remains an option for Aston Villa.

"He could be an option in the next 24 hours and they are trying to complete this deal."

Would Bednarek be a good signing for Villa?

Statistics show that Bednarek ranks in the 96th and 90th percentiles for interceptions and blocks respectively among centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues over the last year, which highlights that he would bring more steel to Villa's backline.

The fact that the 26-year-old has already made more than 130 appearances in the Premier League is an added bonus as it means he would not need to be given time to adjust to the pace of the top flight.

With that in mind, and only hours being left to welcome reinforcements, the 42-cap Poland international would be an astute signing for Villa.