Aston Villa should be in the mix for Sunderland forward Josh Maja, who is widely expected to leave his League One club during this month's transfer window.

What's the word, then?

Maja, 20, will see his current deal with Sunderland expire at the end of this season.

And according to Sky Sports, the forward has told the Black Cats that he will not be signing a new contract, sparking a scramble for his services.

Before the turn of the year, Sunderland boss Jack Ross revealed that Maja had been offered a new deal by the Black Cats.

The youngster has seemingly decided that his future is away from the Stadium of Light, however, and he will not exactly be short of interest.

A whole host of Championship clubs are said to be considering a move for Maja and there is no question that Villa should be in the mix for the youngster.

Maja was named in the Sunderland XI against Charlton Athletic on Saturday afternoon, but was replaced in the latter stages of the 1-1 draw.

Why should Villa make a move?

The Lewisham-born attacker joined Sunderland from Fulham in 2015 and made his professional debut for the club during the 2016-17 season.

Maja played 17 times in the Championship for Sunderland last term, but has enjoyed a very impressive 2018-19 campaign to date, netting 15 times in all competitions.

The 5ft 11in ace still has a lot of work to do if he is to become the player he wants to be.

However, there is absolutely no question that Maja is a talent.

Villa could lose on-loan forward Tammy Abraham this month and Maja is capable of making an impact in the second half of the 2018-19 campaign.

Pl>ymaker FC's Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica's women's team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below...

That said, the striker would be more of an investment for the future.

Villa will not be the only club in the mix for Maja if they do decide to make a move, but they will fancy their chances of beating any of their Championship rivals to his signature.