Aston Villa still in the race to sign Jan Bednarek from Southampton

Aston Villa are reportedly leading the race to sign Southampton centre-half Jan Bednarek.

According to 90 min, West Ham have cooled their interest in the Polish international, meaning Villa are now favourites to sign the defender on loan until the end of the season.

The report states that Steven Gerrard has been interested in signing Bednarek for a number of weeks, and sources have told the outlet that the Hammers have now backed away from the deal. Villa remain in the market for a centre half on deadine day (1 September) after their new signing Diego Carlos ruptured his Achilles’ tendon against Everton. Southampton could replace Bednarek with Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.

Luiz set to stay

Meanwhile, Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is reportedly set to stay at Villa Park despite being linked with with a deadline day (1 September) move to Arsenal.

Arsenal have been trying to sign Villa midfielder Luiz before the transfer window ends this evening. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are ‘really trying’ to get the deal over the line, with Luiz said to be keen on making the move to the north London club.

But according to Sky Sports News, Aston Villa have now said the Brazilian will not leave the club during this window. Luiz has one year left on his contract, and has attracted interest from a number of Premier League sides as well as Atletico Madrid.

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