Burnley, Brighton and Nottingham Forest keen on permanent deal for Aston Villa ace

Burnley, Brighton and Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest look set for a three-way battle in a bid to land midfielder Gary Gardner this summer, according to TEAMtalk.com.

The Championship trio have all been impressed with the Aston Villa loanee, who has starred for the latter club after arriving at the City Ground back in January from the already relegated Premier League outfit.

The 23-year-old, who is a former England Under-21 international, has scored two goals and provided a further assist for Forest so far this season in all competitions.

Gardner, who has netted two marvellous free-kicks against Hull City and Wolverhampton Wanderers this term, is currently enjoying his second loan stint with interim boss Paul Williams’ men.

The report suggests that Forest are keen on transforming the central midfielder’s loan at the City Ground into a permanent deal this summer, but high-flying Championship rivals Burnley and Brighton are looking to hijack that deal.

Gardner only signed a new deal at Villa Park last summer, signing a three-year contract extension.