Aston Villa and Leeds United could make a late challenge to sign Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings, according to Alan Nixon of the Sun. 

West Brom remain favourites to land the former Ipswich Town centre-back but only once Chris Mepham has completed his move to the Vitality from Brentford.

Taking to Twitter, Nixon wrote: "BOURNEMOUTH. Mings can go on loan once Mepham done. WEST BROM still fav but VILLA lurking and even LEEDS and DERBY in the bushes."

Mings has struggled with injury since making the move to the Cherries in 2015, making just 23 appearances in that time and just five this season.

The arrival of Mepham will bump him further down the pecking order, making a move away, either on loan or permanently, the obvious step to take.

Both Leeds and Villa are keen to strengthen going into the final months of the season with both sides already busying themselves in the market.

Marcelo Bielsa's side have brought in Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla whilst Kortney Hause and Lovre Kalinic have both made the move to Villa Park.

The verdict 

Aston Villa should be going all out for this.

They badly need reinforcements at the back and, although Mings has proven to be injury prone, he has Championship quality in abundance and would be a great addition.

For Leeds, if they can get him they may as well, but he is not a necessity by any means.