Aston Villa have looked into the possibility of signing Jan Bednarek ahead of the summer transfer deadline...

What's the word?

That's according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who claims that the Midlands outfit are one of several teams to have fielded an enquiry for the Southampton centre-back.

"Bednarek is one they have looked into but at the moment they are just one of a few teams to have begun enquiries," he revealed to GIVEMESPORT.

Reports in his home country, Poland, suggest that the 26-year-old is looking to leave St Mary's Stadium and could cost any interested team around €15m (£12.6m).

Meanwhile, Bednarek is under contract until 2025, having thought to be earning around £20k-per-week on the south coast.

Gerrard needs him

After manager Steven Gerrard saw his £26m summer signing, Diego Carlos, ruled out for the next six months at least, the need for another central defensive addition has increased tenfold, particularly after allowing Kortney Hause out on loan.

In Bednarek, the former Rangers boss would be getting a proven Premier League colossus and one that would need little time in adapting to the top-flight.

Indeed, the Poland international has amassed 133 appearances in the big time, totalling 152 games for the Saints, where he ranked as Ralph Hasenhuttl's fifth-best performer last season.

Praise for his professionalism from one source further highlights why he'd be a great fit at Villa Park - "If Hasenhuttl told him to run through a brick wall because it will result in three points, he’d do it," they revealed to The Athletic.

Whilst the Southampton manager himself has previously lauded him as a "firefighter."

"He is robust. He is one of the best defensive fighters, I say always he’s a firefighter who really does everything to protect his own goal," he told the Daily Echo.

Bednarek has been something of a beast for the Saints over the last year or so. When compared to fellow centre-backs across Europe's elite divisions, the Pole ranks inside the top 4% for interceptions, the top 10% for blocks and the top 13% for aerial duels won, via FBref.

That's pretty good going considering the 6 foot 2 titan was playing for a side that finished 14th last campaign. He's also a threat in the opposition's box too, ranking inside the top 4% for non-penalty goals (0.13 scored per 90).

With Carlos out for the foreseeable future in what has been a truly gutting blow at Villa Park, it would make sense for sporting director Johan Lange to press ahead and find another option in the role.

Perhaps in Bednarek, he should look no further because on the above evidence, he could well be the 'brick wall' that Gerrard desperately needs right now.

AND in other news, talkSPORT journo: Villa "don’t want to sell" £48m duo, it's the right call from Gerrard...