Exclusive: Prem hopefuls keeping tabs on Villa loan star

Pete O'Rourke
Gary Gardner: Linked with Brighton and Burnley

Gary Gardner: Linked with Brighton and Burnley

A number of clubs are weighing a move for Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner following his impressive spell on loan at Nottingham Forest, sources have told www.teamtalk.com.

Gardner has been earning rave reviews at Forest with a number outstanding performances at the City Ground since his arrival on loan from Villa in January.

The 23-year-old has made 21 appearances for Forest and his impressive displays in midfield have included two spectacular free-kick goals in the draws with Hull and Wolves.

Gardner is enjoying his second loan spell at Forest having stood out during a spell in the second half of last season when he scored four goals in 18 games.

Forest would love to turn Gardner’s loan move into a permanent deal, but they are sure to face competition to try and sign Gardner.

Promotion hopefuls Brighton, who had Gardner on loan last season, and Burnley are both thought to be keeping tabs on Gardner and could make a move for the former England Under-21 international in the summer.

Gardner, who signed a new deal at Villa last summer, is due to return to Villa Park at the end of the season and the club are bracing themselves for interest in the midfielder as a result of his impressive form out on loan.