Aston Villa look set to win the race for Southampton centre-back Jan Bednarek imminently after a proposed move to West Ham collapsed.

The Lowdown: Bednarek saga

While Steven Gerrard and Johan Lange had been keen to sign the 26-year-old before deadline day, with reports last week even suggesting a loan-to-buy was agreed, it was starting to look like their efforts may be thwarted by West Ham.

The Hammers leapt ahead of Villa in the queue this week with the reliable David Ornstein revealing they were close to winning the race on Wednesday evening.

Now, a big twist suggests that that won't be the case, as things swing back in the favour of Lange and Gerrard.

The Latest: Villa nearly there

According to Sky Sports News, West Ham's move for Bednarek is now completely off, with Villa the other Premier League side mentioned as favourites to snap him up.

Gerrard is after a centre-back following a serious achilles injury to new signing Diego Carlos, and it looks like a deal for Bednarek should now go through before 11pm on Thursday.

The Verdict: Big boost for Gerrard

This is a massive boost for Villa at a time where they look weak in the centre of defence - nine goals conceded in five league games is proof of that - despite a spirited effort in their 2-1 defeat away to Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Both Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have their detractors and aren't necessarily consistent performers and that's where Bednarek could make a big difference.

The Pole has stood out as an impressive player for Southampton over a sustained period, making 133 appearances in the Premier League and being hailed as 'immense' by his own fans in the past.