Aston Villa have made a loan offer for Southampton defender Jan Bednarek, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Bednarek linked with Villa

Villa appear to be on the hunt for a new centre-back late in the transfer window following a serious injury to Diego Carlos. The Brazilian ruptured his Achilles against Everton and has since had successful surgery on the problem.

Bednarek, who Ralph Hasenhuttl labelled a 'really good player', is just one defender who has been linked with a move to the Midlands in recent days, and it looks as if NSWE have fired up their interest in the 26-year-old.

The Latest: Bednarek transfer update

According to Football Insider, Villa have made a loan bid for the Poland defender instead of committing to a permanent deal.

He didn’t feature for the Saints in their 2-1 win at Leicester on Saturday and is reportedly ready to leave St Mary’s this summer.

The Verdict: Good to see

Bednarek isn’t the only player that Villa are looking to sign in the final stages of the summer window.

A deal has reportedly been agreed for Watford winger Ismaila Sarr, and should Bednarek follow the Senegal forward to Villa Park, it could represent a solid end to the transfer window for NSWE and co.

Both players have Premier League experience and would provide cover in areas that Steven Gerrard could do with bolstering, so hopefully both can go through in relatively quick time.

Either way, it's good to see that Villa are still actively seeking reinforcements rather than settling for what they've already got.