Steve Bruce has confirmed Aston Villa have made an enquiry for Nottingham Forest captain Henri Lansbury.
The 26-year-old midfielder has entered the final six months of his current deal at the City Ground and is free to speak to other clubs during the January transfer window with a view to signing a pre-contract agreement.
Bruce has money to spend after selling striker Rudy Gestede to Middlesbrough for £6m and Lansbury is a priority target.
Speaking after Villa's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday, Bruce told reporters: "We've made an enquiry. He's a player we think is for sale."
Forest have already turned down a £2.5m bid from Derby County for midfielder Lansbury, who has also attracted interest from Premier League side Watford.
Lansbury started his career at Arsenal and spent time on loan at Scunthorpe, Watford, Norwich and West Ham before joining Forest on a permanent deal in 2012.
He has scored 33 goals in 150 appearances for Forest since his £1m move from Arsenal and was named the club's captain during the 2014-15 season.