Aston Villa manager, Steve Bruce denied a possible transfer move for Lewis Grabban who is serving a loan spell in Sunderland and dubbed him as an unrealistic target. Bruce said that he does not have the financial means to chase the striker who has netted an impressive 11 goals in 18 appearances in the EFL Championship. He also revealed his interest in shuffling through the loan market in January and find a quality centre-forward to see them through the second half of the season.
The Villans are currently in the 5th spot of the points table and eyeing to finish there if not higher and fight their way through the playoffs to earn promotion to top-flight English football next season. But they were left devastated after the ankle injury of last seasons top scorer Jonathan Kodjia at the Blues. He is not expected to come back anytime soon if at all this season.
Scott Hogan has returned to the lineup after a bout in the sidelines and featured in the weekend fixture against Derby County. He came on in the 65th minute but failed to impact the game much. This has been somewhat relative to his career with the Claret and Blue’s. Ever since his £12million move from Brentford, he has yet to display the qualities of a top centre-forward. Steve Bruce will be relying on the 25-year-old to start chipping in goals and lead the attacking line-up. He has scored only 3 goals in 17 appearances.
A possible approach can be made for Watford striker, Stefano Okaka who has demanded a January transfer move away from the club. He has so far featured in only 3 games for the Hornets with just a late appearance in their 1-4 loss to Huddersfield Town on the weekend. The 28-year-old is seemingly frustrated with the lack of game time and can make an impact for the Villans.
Manchester United academy product, James Wilson has not featured for the Red Devil’s since October 2015. With a number of strikers ahead of him in the pecking order, he has attracted a lot of attention from Championship sides like Sheffield United and Leeds United. After a number spells on the sidelines with injuries, the 22-year-old is fighting his way through the Manchester reserves. Bruce can rival Sheffield and Leeds convince to spend a short spell at Villa Park with a more lucrative deal.
Reports had also surfaced over a possible transfer of Swansea City striker, Oliver McBurnie to Aston Villa. The 21-year old has moved in and out of the senior squad for the Swans this season and is eager for more consistent game time. Maybe a loan offer can be made if not done already with a buy-back option.
