Aston Villa are looking to finalise a move for Jan Bednarek before tomorrow's transfer deadline...

What's the word?

That's according to transfer insider and journalist Dean Jones, who delivered an update on their pursuit of the Southampton colossus to GIVEMESPORT.

He said:

"A move for Bednarek is being stepped up, so we’ll soon find out whether that comes through. I think it probably will, to be honest. It’s certainly being worked on right now.

"Is that enough? I’m not totally sure, to be honest with you. Obviously, defensively, it’s just to add depth."

The Athletic originally reported Villa's interest in the 26-year-old last week and revealed that talks were at an advanced stage, giving the Midlands outfit the nudge over West Ham United and Leicester City, who were also keen.

Lange masterclass

Steven Gerrard's need for further defensive reinforcements was increased in recent weeks after his side agonisingly lost summer signing Diego Carlos to a serious injury that is set to rule him out of the remainder of 2022, at the very least.

And sporting director Johan Lange could look to repeat one of his previous masterstrokes after he signed Calum Chambers out of nowhere from Arsenal during the January transfer window.

Bednarek's proven experience in the Premier League will be of major importance to Villa, having racked up 133 appearances, as they look to fill the void left behind by Carlos and the Poland international would also be able to fill that ball-playing void, too.

So far this season, the 26-year-old has averaged an 85.7% passing accuracy - the second-best in the Saints squad for players with two or more appearances - as well as 2.5 long balls per game.

Only Ezri Konsa has managed better so far for Villa, as per WhoScored.

Bednarek, who has been described as a "firefighter" by his manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and a "monster" by journalist Sam Tighe, has been a solid option compared to other centre-backs across Europe.

The 6 foot 2 titan currently ranks inside the top 4% for interceptions (3.18), the top 4% for non-penalty goals (0.13) and the top 10% for blocks (2.23) per 90, via FBref, so he'll add defensive intelligence as well as his ball-playing ability in an attempt to replace Carlos temporarily.

Then when you factor in his low £20k-per-week wages, it's easy to see why Lange would be securing something of a masterstroke once again as the Pole is a very cheap and solid replacement heading into the remainder of the year.

AND in other news, Aston Villa receive late transfer boost over 28 y/o "diamond"...