According to Skysports.com, Villa boss Alex McLeish is eyeing off a deadline day swoop for the 23-year-old Australian in order to bolster his defensive options after Luke Young's move to QPR.

Ironically, 22-year-old Australian defender Chris Herd filled in for Young at right-back in the weekend's 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton, producing a man-of-the-match performance.

However, it is understood McLeish is keen to add Perth-born Williams, who can play at full-back or in midfield.

Williams, who is currently in Australia with the national team, was linked with Premier League club Bolton early in the European summer but Boro weren't interested in selling him then.

Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray told the Evening Gazette they weren't in any rush to sell key players now either.

"We are in a position where we don't have to sell. But we will if it boosts the club and gives us scope to bring in the players we want," Mowbray said.

Williams, who has two years remaining on his current contract, has played in all of Boro's five league matches this term.

Ironically, Williams hails from ECU Joondalup, the same junior club as Herd and Villa's other Australian youngster Shane Lowry.