Aston Villa target Ben Gibson would be great for manager Dean Smith

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Aston Villa have reportedly approached Premier League club Burnley about their enforcer Ben Gibson.

According to Sky Sports, Dean Smith’s side have made an offer to take the defender on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent deal.

The report details that the Midlands giants want to include a clause that makes the move permanent in the summer too.

Gibson’s £12million switch to Turf Moor has not quite gone to plan since he joined in the summer and he’s made just five appearances across all competitions for Sean Dyche’s side.

But the 26-year-old previously made a name for himself in the Championship as a no-nonsense defender that is good with the ball at his feet too.

Gibson would be another much-needed centre-back addition to their ranks this month, despite bringing in Kortney Hause from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Villa do have Tommy Elphick and James Chester as the preferred combination in the heart of defence, but Gibson would arguably be an upgrade on both.

Gibson is a left-footed defender that would bring leadership qualities to the Villa backline and a calming influence could help spark a bid for promotion.

Smith’s side are only four points adrift of the play-offs, but quickly need to address the club’s poor record of 46 goals conceded in 29 league games.