Steve Bruce is hoping to attract Jack Wilshere to Villa Park.
After managing to tempt John Terry to try out the Championship, Bruce wants injury-prone Arsenal midfielder Wilshere to dip his toe in the water, too.
It’s an ambitious move. Arsenal would no doubt want a permanent deal and probably demand a fee of around £9million.
And Wilshere, 25, might have severe doubts about dropping down a division at his age.
A year ago he went on loan to Bournemouth in a bid to preserve his England place.
The move didn’t really work – and he ended breaking a leg at Tottenham late in the season.
The Daily Mirror report that Arsenal have told the midfielder he can leave if the right offer comes along.
But Wilshere may decide to stay and fight for his place, especially with added fixtures in the Europa League coming up.
Wilshere, who has one year left on his contract, is back to full fitness and played for Arsenal’s Under-23s at Derby on Monday.
Villa boss Bruce Bruce has a decent rapport with Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, having signed Nicklas Bendtner, Fabrice Muamba and Jermaine Pennant whilst with Birmingham.
West Ham were thought to be keen on Wilshere but that interest looks to have died.
But Newcastle United, Swansea City and Sampdoria could all yet come calling.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are also looking to move on Mathieu Debuchy, Kieran Gibbs, Calum Chambers and Carl Jenkinson.