Nottingham Forest have emerged as leading contenders among a host of clubs looking to sign Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner, according to the Daily Mail.

Gardner has been left out of Villa's tour of Germany which will conclude their pre-season programme, fuelling rumours that the midfielder could well be on his way out of Villa Park as Steve Bruce looks to get them back in the Premier League after a dismal campaign last season.

Villa have also recently signed Glenn Whelan, further increasing competition for places in the Villa ranks, and Gardner could well find himself on the move.

The impressive box to box midfielder has already enjoyed two loan spells with Forest, and he spent much of last season on loan at the City Ground where he delivered some impressive performances in a red shirt.

The Reds have money to spend following the big money sale of Britt Assombalonga, and have already signed Daryl Murphy from Newcastle to ease the blow of that departure. Capturing Gardner would be another excellent piece of the business by Forest manager Mark Warburton, who is looking for improvement after Forest narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Forest fans, what do you think to this? Good signing? Let us know in the comments!