Aston Villa are close to making Brentford’s Ezri Konsa their seventh summer signing in a deal worth £12 million.

Konsa, 21, is set to complete his move to rejoin Dean Smith in the next 24 hours after Villa triggered his buy-out clause.

Smith is keen to sign at least two new centre-halves and has returned to raid his former club by offering Konsa a move to the Premier League.

Villa have already signed Tyrone Mings this week but want more defensive additions, with Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe remaining an option on loan.

Gary Cahill has held talks with Villa over a move as he is a free agent after leaving Chelsea but his salary demands – at this stage of the summer – have convinced Smith to sign Konsa.

Cahill's return to Villa has hit a stumbling block over wages credit: ACTION PLUS

An England under -21 international, Konsa was signed by Smith from Charlton in January last year and emerged as one of the most highly regarded young talents outside the top flight.

Bristol City’s Adam Webster was a target last month until the Championship club quoted Villa a staggering £30million.

Villa are also pursuing a new goalkeeper and have held talks with Burnley over a deal for England international Tom Heaton. Middlesbrough’s Darren Randolph is also under consideration, along with Southampton’s Alex McCarthy.

Villa fly out to America for a pre-season training camp this week and play their first friendly against MLS side Minnesota United next Wednesday.