Aston Villa could now hijack West Ham’s proposed move for Southampton defender Jan Bednarek, according to journalist Toby Cudworth.

The Lowdown: Bednarek saga

Bednarek, labelled as 'underrated' by journalist Zach Lowy, looked set to move to the Midlands after Villa reportedly agreed on a loan-to-buy deal.

However, it then seemed as if the Poland international would be joining West Ham, with the Hammers close to swooping in and reaching an agreement of their own for the centre-back.

It now appears to have gone full circle, though, with Villa seemingly looking to re-hijack West Ham's proposed transfer on deadline day.

The Latest: Villa move back on?

According to Cudworth, Bednarek 'could now be heading to Aston Villa on loan and not West Ham, citing 'transfer deadline day twists and turns'.

The Verdict: Needed

Villa have already had a bid accepted for Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker, so Bednarek could be the second to arrive at Villa Park.

And you could argue that he's actually the more important addition than Dendoncker due to a shortage of centre-backs following Diego Carlos' injury.

Dendoncker can turn out in defence but has made a name for himself in midfield, so bringing in Bednareak as well would allow Steven Gerrard to use the Belgian in his preferred role, boosting the depth of the squad in multiple positions at once.