Aston Villa to spend £8m for reunion with Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan?

Newly-appointed Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is reportedly considering making a January bid for Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan.

Smith has been tasked with trying to earn promotion with Villa this season, despite the West Midlands outfit currently sitting in 17th place in the Championship standings.

Villa are expected to be active in the transfer market at the start of 2019, and according to The Mirror, an offer could be made for one of the club's former academy graduates.

Bannan came through the youth team at Villa before going on to make 83 appearances in the senior ranks, and the 28-year-old has established himself as an integral part of Sheffield Wednesday's team since 2015.

The Owls are said to value the Scotland international in the region of £8m, but it is being suggested that Smith could be prepared to meet the playmaker's price-tag.

Bannan only signed a new contract in August, with his deal lasting until 2021.