According to a report in the Birmingham Mail, on loan midfielder Gary Gardner could decide to make his exit from the club permanent this month.

This season has seen the midfielder head to Barnsley on a loan deal where we've seen him begin to really find his feet in recent weeks for the Tykes.

Indeed, it's certainly proving more productive than staying at Villa and on the bench would have done this year and his future could end up at Oakwell more long-term too.

Indeed, according to the report, though a discussion is expected later this season over the midfielder's future, the player could decide he wants to stay put permanently this month.

That, then, would be a boost to Barnsley who are looking to pull away from the scrap at the bottom and get themselves into safer territory.

Of course, it still remains to be seen if Villa want to keep him but if the player has decided he wants to leave on a full-time basis then you get the feeling that the club probably wouldn't try too hard to stop him.

He's playing well, then, but because of the loan he cannot face Villa for the Tykes this weekend.

The Verdict

Gardner has done a good job so far this season for Barnsley and you could see him staying put.

He might just make that decision earlier than expected, too.

Thoughts, Villa fans? Let us know below!