Aston Villa youngster Gary Gardner is a shock target for Inter Milan.
The Daily Mail says Rafa Benitez trawled England for young talent towards the end of his reign at Liverpool - signing Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling among others - and it appears the Spaniard has passed on knowledge to his new employers.
Gardner is on his way back from a serious knee injury but has previously shown huge promise at England youth level, playing alongside Arsenal's Jack Wilshere in midfield.
Inter have also tracked Wilshere for more than two years, but know that prising the starlet from the Emirates Stadium will be impossible while Arsene Wenger continues to give him first-team opportunities.
While Gardner is a long-term target, Benitez has asked for new recruits when the transfer window opens in January.
