Aston Villa have reportedly made contact over a potential deal to sign Charlie Austin this summer.
Football Insider reports that the newly-promoted Premier League outfit are keen to snap up the forward as they prepare for life back in the top flight.
Austin, who is out of favour at Southampton, is widely expected to leave the club this summer, with the Saints ready to cash in.
Villa are keen to add an experienced striker to their ranks after losing Tammy Abraham, who played a key role line last season under Dean Smith.
They have already broken their club-record transfer fee by bringing in Wesley Moraes from Club Brugge, but want another forward to provide competition for the Brazilian.
Austin was limited to just 11 league starts at Southampton last time out, scoring three goals during that time.
With Southampton still in the hunt to sign Che Adams this summer, regular game time looks even more unlikely for Austin next season.
