Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner is emerging as a target for a host of Championship clubs.

Gardner hasn't travelled on Villa's pre-season tour of Germany, alerting his suitors to his potential availability.

Nottingham Forest are among the clubs keen.

Gary Gardner hasn't travelled on Aston Villa's summer tour of Germany sparking speculation

Gardner, who has come through the ranks at Villa Park, has been unable to hold a regular place in the Villa side since making his debut in 2011.

He was regarded as one of the club's best prospects when he broke into the Villa side, but injuries and managerial changes stunted his progress.

Gardner impressed during two loan spells at Nottingham Forest and they were keen to sign him permanently last January, only for Villa to keep him at Villa Park.

Gardner made 27 appearances in all competitions for Villa last season but the recent arrival of Glenn Whelan from Stoke City has increased competition for places in midfield next season. And with Gardner likely to be down the pecking order, he is keen to move on in search of regular first-team football.