The 22-year-old would be an ideal signing for Villa on loan but Steve Bruce’s side face competition from Championship rivals Middlesbrough.
Clubs in the English Football League can sign players on loan, and both Boro and Aston Villa are looking to bolster their squads before the end of this month.
Southampton rejected a £15million bid for him from Fulham on deadline day but the Saints are reportedly prepared to let him go on loan for the rest of the season.