Aston Villa will make an improved bid to sign Bristol City defender Adam Webster, according to the printed Daily Mirror (June 27, page 65).

Sky Sports reported yesterday that Villa have already had a bid of £12million rejected for the centre-back, who was a key player for the Robins last season.

The Bristol Post claim that Bristol City want £30million for the 24-year-old, who has attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs this summer.

Webster was an important player for Bristol City last season and scored three goals in 44 Championship appearances, as the Robins just missed out on the play-offs.

Villa boss Dean Smith is looking to strengthen his defensive options following their promotion to the Premier League and has already signed centre-back Kortney Hause on a permanent deal from Wolves.

Webster joined Bristol City on a four-year deal from Ipswich Town last summer and has established a reputation as one of the best defenders in the Championship.

Bristol City finished eighth in the Championship table last season, four points outside the play-offs and missed out on a place in the top six on the final day of the campaign.

The Verdict

Webster was outstanding for Bristol City in the Championship last season and he could be a great signing for Villa, although it would be real blow for the Robins to lose him.

The defender has three years remaining on his contract at Ashton Gate, so Bristol City are in a strong position when it comes to negotiations with Villa.

It will be interesting to see whether Villa are prepared to pay the £30million that Bristol City want for the defender, especially seeing as they've made a few new signings already this summer.