Aston Villa are lining up a move for Bristol City defender Adam Webster to bolster their defensive ranks, according to The Sun.

It is being reported that the newly promoted Premier League side will make a £12million bid in order to lure Webster to Villa Park after an impressive season at the back for Lee Johnson's side. The centre-back joined the club from Ipswich Town a year ago, and he made 44 appearances in the Championship for the Robins last season.

Dean Smith is looking to strengthen his side's options at centre-back, as they have not yet been able to agree permanent deals for Axel Tuanzebe and Tyrone Mings respectively. However, Villa have reportedly seen their approaches for Webster rebuffed by Bristol City so far.

In today's FLW Six Pointer, we take a closer look at this potential deal...

Why are Villa showing an interest in Webster?

"Webster has only been at Bristol City for one season but, during this time, he has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Championship.

"He formed an excellent partnership with Chelsea loanee Tomas Kalas last season, and boasts a well-rounded skill set which includes excellent defending, good aerial ability and good distribution.

"His range of strengths mean he could be well-suited to the top-flight and he is still young at 24, which will also be attractive to Dean Smith and Villa's recruitment team."

How much should Webster be worth?

"The Sun are reporting that Villa are prepared to make an offer of £12million for Webster, and this would be an excellent piece of business if they can make it happen.

"However, Webster seems to be a ready-made Premier League defender and Bristol City will have every right to demand a higher fee for the former Portsmouth man given his importance to the side."

Would Webster be keen on a move to Villa?

"His career has been one of continuous progression since he made his professional debut for Portsmouth at the age of 17. He sealed a move to Ipswich where he continued his development, and he has now excelled at Bristol City.

"Therefore, he is clearly an ambitious player and I think he would be very interested by a move to a Premier League side such as Villa. However, he simply must continue playing regular football, given the age he is at.

"Therefore, if Webster is given permission to speak to Villa, he will need to seek assurances from Smith that he will be given a chance to establish himself in the side."

Where would he fit in with Dean Smith's plans?

"Villa have been eager to seal permanent deals for centre-back duo Axel Tuanzebe and Tyrone Mings for some time now, following their successful loan spells at the club last season.

"It appears their interest in Webster has surfaced amid concerns that they may not be able to force through deals for the pair, who both became popular figures at Villa Park.

"It seems likely that Webster will be signed if the Tuanzebe and Mings deals fall through and, if this is the case, Webster should then get a chance to feature in Villa's starting line-up alongside Kortney Hause."

Would Bristol City be able to replace him?

"It could be difficult to replace him.

"Johnson would need to find a specific type of centre-back who provides reassurance in defence, and it is also capable of playing out from the back.

"However, the plus side is that Webster's departure will generate a healthy fee for the club and will expand their pool of options to replace him. They may even be able to sign a quality Championship defender, as long as Johnson is convincing about the club's ambition."

So, is the deal likely to happen?

"I think this is one in the early stages, and it could rumble on for some time.

"Bristol City will definitely not allow Webster to leave without a fight, while you get the feeling Villa's interest also hinges majorly on the outcome of their pursuits for Tuanzebe and Mings.

"I can see the move being one that would benefit both Villa and Webster himself, but there is a long way to go before it could become a reality."