ASTON Villa are preparing a bid for Ipswich Town Player of the Year Aaron Cresswell.

But we understand the Blues have put a price tag of around �6million on the left-back following his sensational first season at Portman Road.

The 22-year-old was a relative unknown when he became one of Paul Jewell’s first summer signings last year.

But his consistent performances and ability at both ends of the pitch made Cresswell one of the first names on Jewell’s team-sheet.

His first season saw the Liverpudlian crowned player of the year by the official supporters club and it didn’t go unnoticed with Premier League scouts.

We understand sleeping giants Villa have shown interest in Cresswell since the end of last season – with their new boss, and ex-Norwich City manager, Paul Lambert among those aware of the full- back’s huge promise.

No bid has yet been made but Jewell has always maintained he is not expecting to sell any players and, more importantly, he is under no financial pressure to do so.

Cresswell signed for the Blues last July with a tribunal later setting the fee at �240,000, possibly rising to �520,000.

That figure quickly looked a snip as Cresswell’s performances rarely waned during a tumultuous 2011/12.

He missed just two competitive matches all season and Jewell will only sanction a move if Town made an exceptional profit on the former Tranmere defender.

The manager has always insisted every player has his price but it is clear that it would take a massive offer for Jewell to even contemplate selling a prized asset.