According to a report in The Times this morning, Aston Villa have been watching Rasmus Bengtsson , the Trelleborgs central defender. Martin O’Neill has been linked with a number of central defenders this summer following Martin Laursen’s retirement from football.

Bengtsson, 23, is a 6.1ft central defender considered to be one of the major talents in Swedish football. A number of European clubs are interested in Bengtsson as he is out of contract at the end of 2009.

Italian clubs Lazio and Udinese were linked earlier this summer with the centre back and last week it was reported that PSV were close to securing a deal. Reports in Holland today suggest AZ Alkmaar could also sign Bengtsson.

Bengtsson has spent his whole career at Trelleborgs and is described by scouts in Sweden as a "small sensation. He is strong and tough with great defensive qualities."

The right-footed defender, who speaks English, can also play up front. He started his career in defence, was then moved up front and then returned to his original position.

During the 2009 Swedish season Bengtsson has played 10 games and scored one goal, he has also picked up one red card. He was also part of the Sweden Under-21 squad that reached the semi-finals of the recent European Championship on home soil.