Aston Villa are leading the race to sign Rangers star Glen Kamara as Steven Gerrard looks for reinforcements in the January transfer window.

What's the story?

According to TEAMtalk, the Gers are contemplating making a big sale next month after failing to make it out of the Champions League group stages, with Kamara among those players potentially being allowed to go.

And, the report adds that it's Villa are who are currently at the front of the queue for the Finland international as Gerrard plots to reunite with his former midfielder at Villa Park.

Forget Nakamba

With Marvelous Nakamba ruled out through injury, Villa are in real need of a midfielder who can play that anchorman role, and in Kamara they can find someone who Gerrard knows very well indeed from his time at Ibrox.

The Villa boss dubbed Kamara as a "class act" following an impressive display against in a Scottish Cup win over Kilmarnock, and will be well aware of how to get the best out of him should he sign him for Villa.

And, Neil McCann, Kamara's former manager at Dundee, said: "He looks small but he’s strong and he’s a playmaker. When Rangers signed Glen, I sat there thinking he would smash it. Glen will end up back in the English Premier League. I’ve no doubts about that."

McCann added: "He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect. He’s a special talent.

"He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well."

The 40-cap Kamara could be exactly what Villa need in midfield, and with McCann saying that the Finn will end up back in the English top flight - he was once on the books at Arsenal - Villa Park could be an ideal destination for him.

Meanwhile, Villa could sign a new Gareth Barry in this star...