ASTON Villa are stepping up their pursuit of Reading FC midfielder Aaron Tshibola.

Reports have emerged suggesting Villa have tabled a £5 million bid for the 21-year-old Royal.

Tshibola, whose once had trials with Manchester United, was also the subject of a £2 million offer from Norwich City last week.

It is thought the bid from the Canaries was immediately rejected, but Royals could now be tempted to sell their young midfield star to Villa for a much bigger fee.

Tshibola suffered two serious injuries last season and was forced to have an operation on his hamstring in March.

But he is back to full-fitness and is cleared highly-rated by Villa as they aim to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

However, if Reading's Thai owners decide to sell it could put them on a collision course with boss Jaap Stam who does not want to lose the talented youngster to a rival club.

Stam said last week: “Hit future is here with us, I don't want him to leave and I have spken to the club.

“He is a young player with so much quality. He needs to stay at Reading.”

Tshibola is not the only central midfielder being linked with a move away this summer.

Hull City are believed to be lining up a £1.5 million offer for Northern Ireland international Oliver Norwood while USA star Danny Williams is being tracked by Newcastle United.

It appears Reading are also ready to let go of Paolo Hurtato.

The 25-year-old Peru winger joined Royals from Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira in August 2015.

But he made just six first-team appearances before returning to Portugal on loan with Vitória de Guimarães for the remainder of the season.

Stam was preparing to run the rule over Hurtado in pre-season training this week, but it is believed Reading are open to offers.

Stam is facing a big rebuilding job at the Madejski Stadiuim after six loan players departed last season and Hal Robson-Kanu, Anton Ferdinand and Simon Cox were released at the end of their contracts.

Robson-Kanu has since angered Reading fans by claiming that letting his contract run down was was 'one of the best decisions of my career.'

Robson-Kanu, who is being linked with Leicester City, scored a brilliant individual goal for Wales in Friday's 3-1 victory against Belgium to clinch a Euro 2016 semi final berth against Portugal this Wednesday.

Royals full-back Chris Gunter has been ever-present in Chris Coleman's side throughout the tournament, with reports suggesting Celtic could be prepared to trigger a £1 million release clause in his contract.

Wales' progress into the last four of a major competition for the first time in their history means Gunter will be forced to miss his brother's wedding in Mexico later this week.

Reading have made two summers signings so far with the capture of Dutch duo Danzell Gravenberch and Joey van den Berg.