Aston Villa appear to be leading the race of one of the Premier League's most promising talents, that's if fresh reports are to be believed...

What's the word?

According to the Guardian, the Midlands outfit have opened talks with Chelsea over a potential loan move for talented midfield sensation Conor Gallagher this summer.

They claim that top-flight rivals Crystal Palace have dipped out of the battle to secure him, thus opening the door for Dean Smith to swoop in but they'll have to do battle with newly-promoted Leeds United too.

Gallagher went out on loan twice last season, starting the season at Charlton Athletic before moving onto playoff semi-finalists Swansea City.

Shades of Lampard

It's hard to gauge what sort of impact the 20-year-old would have at Villa Park considering John McGinn and of course skipper Jack Grealish will be the first names on the teamsheet.

But if the Englishman is going to remain out wide, then Smith is getting the perfect box-to-box option in Gallagher.

Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews has previously likened his playing style to that of both Lee Bowyer and Frank Lampard, claiming the midfielder is "a classic No 8." who "has unbelievable energy" and "does the ugly side of the game."

Last term across those two loan spells, Gallagher delivered six goals and 11 assists, and averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.7 shots, 1.2 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game, via WhoScored, which only emphasises his ability at either end of the pitch.

Smith had a heavy reliance on his captain last term after he finished as the club's top goalscorer in the Premier League and whilst he's still clear for chances created, the only other midfielder that could better Gallagher was McGinn, so clearly the rest of the squad isn't doing enough to help out.

Bowyer rued his absence during the second half of the season as the Addicks were relegated from the Championship, claiming that he's "impossible to replace" and it's rare to find "a jewel like that."

It might only be on loan, but the Villans could benefit from a midfielder as promising as this. Johan Lange must push for this deal at all costs.

AND in other news, Aston Villa must add "nightmare" attacker to their Ollie Watkins capture...