Aston Villa to swoop for Liverpool defender?

Aston Villa are reportedly planning an approach for Liverpool's out-of-favour centre-back Joe Gomez next month.

The 24-year-old has endured a tough season with the Reds, and he is no longer a regular starter in the Premier League.

He has played just 12 minutes of league football this term, and there are suggestions that he could push for an exit.

Gomez was a regular with the England national team at one point, but he is no longer in contention amid the lack of game time.

According to Liverpool Echo, Villa are looking into a loan move for Gomez, but chances are slim that the centre-back will leave.

Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are the first-choice centre-backs under Jurgen Klopp with Ibrahima Konate being the immediate back-up.

Gomez is the fourth option in the pecking order. With Nathaniel Phillips pushing for a winter exit, he could be forced to stay.

The Reds may only permit his departure at the end of the campaign.