Blues are ready to make an audacious bid to take Villa man Craig Gardner across the Second City to St Andrews.
The England Under-21 midfielder has been brought through the ranks at Villa Park but is yet to cement a regular starting spot.
The talented 22 year old has been deployed in a number of positions by manager Martin O'Neill, including at right back and in the centre of midfield.
It could be said Gardner is a Jack of all trades but a master of none, however Blues boss Alex McLeish is set to offer the Solihull born star a regular central midfield role.
McLeish is thought to be prepared to pay around £4m to fill one of the few remaining voids in his side and Gardner could even be available for marginally less.
O'Neill is likely to want at least £3m for the player who could yet prove himself for the Claret and Blue and become a star for his boyhood club rather than turn to their bitter rivals for a bite at the big time.