The goalscoring midfielder shot to fame as he struck the winner at Anfield to send Liverpool crashing out of this season's F.A. Cup.
Howard, 25, could be viewed as a replacement for Stiliyan Petrov who has struggled to find form and may be sold in the summer.
Petrov has failed to find the net this season whilst Howard has scored 14 times.
The diminutive Englishman will aim to focus on Barnsley's F.A. Cup semi-final against Cardiff this weekend but a move to the Midlands should appeal to him.
Villa are desperate for quality midfield back-up but must wait until the summer for reinforcements.
Former Chelsea man Howard seems to fit the bill meaning he could be given another chance to prove his quality at the highest level.
Guzan
Villa have also again been linked with American goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
The Claret and Blue tried to sign Guzan in January but were denied a work permit. Nevertheless they look set to make another attempt in the summer.
Arsenal are also rumoured to be interested so Villa must move fast to sign the 23 year old stopper who would probably replace Scott Carson.