Aston Villa are reportedly keen on signing a second defender from Southampton.
The newly-promoted Premier League side snapped up Saints left-back Matt Targett earlier this week, and Birmingham Live report that they have now turned their attentions to Jack Stephens.
It could well be good news for Bristol City, who have already rejected a bid from Villa for Adam Webster.
Villa are keen on centre-halves, and could well believe that Stephens is a move affordable option than Webster, who the Robins have valued at around £30m.
With Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl set to overhaul his squad this summer, Dean Smith is looking into the option of acquiring Stephens, who featured 29 times last season.
Whilst it does not mean that Villa's pursuit of Webster has ended, it could well be a positive for the Robins that they are also exploring other targets.
Villa have added Kortney Hause this summer and, along with Webster, they have been linked with the likes of Tyrone Mings and Axel Tuanzabe.
If the Robins can continue to hold out for their asking price, it could well mean that Villa secure other targets first.
