Agents for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe are encouraging Aston Villa's interest.
Villa have already had two offers for the youngster turned down by Arsenal - and are expected to return with a third.
The Mirror says Villa are actively trailing Smith Rowe, having been given encouragement to continue pursuing his signature.
That encouragement hasn't come from the Gunners themselves, who have rejected their second offer for the 20-year-old Hale End product.
Smith Rowe is entering the final two years of his contract at the Emirates Stadium and negotiations over a new deal have progressed little in the past six months.
It's understood Smith Rowe wants a more lucrative contract than has been offered, more befitting his growing role in the first team.
Arsenal still hope to get a long-term contract sorted, but there remains some distance between the two parties over what that contract should look like.
