Swindon Town are eyeing up a move for former Aston Villa midfielder Jordan Lyden, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

Lyden ended his seven-year association with Villa earlier this year after failing to break into the side under Dean Smith, and he now could be set for a switch to League Two.

The 23-year-old spent the first half of last season playing in the fourth tier for Oldham Athletic, but he left Boundary Park in January after making 14 appearances for the Latics.

The Australian was then not included in any of Villa's match day squads in the second half of the season, as Smith's side mounted a stunning late promotion surge. Lyden departed Villa Park having made just seven senior appearances for the club.

He would become Richie Wellens' eighth signing of the summer if the deal gets over the line, and he would likely compete with Toumani Diagouraga and Cameron McGilp for the defensive midfield berth.

The Verdict

This could be a good move to Lyden, as he will now need to drop down the divisions in order to prove his ability after failing to meet the grade at Villa.

He may not have been good enough for Smith's Villa side, but he is a capable midfielder at League Two level which should make this a solid signing for Swindon.

However, Lyden has had some tough luck with injuries of late and this was one of the key reasons behind his Villa departure, so he can only kick on if his injury record improves.

Swindon should take their time over this one to make sure Lyden is at the correct fitness level to regularly contribute. If he is, they should be little doubt over whether they try and push the deal through.