It has been a remarkable month for Aston Villa - after four league wins on the bounce, the Villans are up into the Sky Bet Championship play-off places, hitting form at the perfect stage of the season.

Everything is falling into place at the right time for Dean Smith's men - the return of Jack Grealish has been influential for Villa over the last few weeks, and the partnership of Kortney Hause and Tyrone Mings is starting to become of the most solid in the division.

There have been plenty of impressive signings in the Championship this season, but one deal that sticks out over the rest is the loan signing of Tyrone Mings.

The 26-year-old has been magnificent since his loan switch from AFC Bournemouth in January and has added some real presence, power and leadership to the Villa back-line.

It seems as if the defender's form hasn't gone unnoticed either, with reports from the Daily Mirror (17/03, page 72) claiming that Premier League side Southampton are interested in signing him at the end of the season.

It is believed that Villa have an agreement with Eddie Howe's men, in that they will be able to match any rivals offers for Mings in the summer transfer window, and despite this worrying transfer news, Villa fans should not worry.

Mings is playing some of his best football at Villa Park, and the towering defender has a lot to thank Villa and Dean Smith for after giving him the opportunity to reignite his career.

The 26-year-old has endured a very difficult time with injuries since his move to Bournemouth from Ipswich Town in 2015, making just 10 league starts for the Cherries before his move to Villa.

He is a fans' favourite at Villa Park, and regardless of which division Villa find themselves in next term, Mings will surely feel as if his future lies with the West Midlands club.