JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW SNAPSHOT
- Sam Johnstone to WBA rumour.
- Ipswich’s David McGoldrick linked.
- Aberdeen’s U-21 fullback Scott McKenna.
- Ross McCormack to Leeds a non starter – Melbourne deal ends – back to Villa.
- Aaron Tshibola joins SPL side Kilmarnock on loan.
- Limerick striker & Chelsea triallist Ogbene opts for Brentford?
- Former Wolves man Benik Afobe a transfer target for Bruce?
- Tommy Elphick makes surprise switch to Reading for rest of season.
- Leo Ulloa missed – Argentine joins Brighton instead.
- Nahki Wells – Burnley striker looking for gametime – loan to VP?
- Dean Henderson & Bradley Dack linked with a switch.
- Robin Van Persie move rejected by Bruce, Dutchman joins Feyenoord.
- England U-21 defender Axel Tuanzebe joins on loan from Manchester United.
- Lewis Grabban – Bournemouth striker to ditch Sunderland for Villa?
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From @robsnodgrass7 pic.twitter.com/gVzIpAigAf— Villa Underground (@avfc_vilr) January 30, 2018
READ: Villa Ratings: Sheffield United 0-1 Villa – Snodgrass Stunner Seals 3 Points!
Reader Contribution:
Possible Aston Villa Transfers This Window.
With the January transfer window rapidly drawing to a close, every club is trying as much as possible to improve their current squad.
Whether it’s by replacing injured players or increasing squad depth, it’s no different whether you’re Aston Villa or Accrington. You can never tell who will end up where (Ross McCormack, for instance?), with many transfers often going to the wire, but you can confidently bet on football to throw up a shock before the window slams shut.
Steve Bruce is widely known to be really only looking to bolster the Villa squad this winter and this has made for an intriguing transfer window for fans.
However, Bruce hasn’t had it all his own way. From inflated transfer fees, the club’s buying policy, tightening within China around overseas investments, to FIFA Financial Fair Play. All Aston Villa really needed to achieve this window was to sit tight and add the right quality, at the right price, if it presented (Axel Tuanzebe). However, for once, there was no urgency.
High on the original list of Bruce priorities was arguably getting a new striker. This was to cushion the effect of the lengthy injury to Jonathan Kodjia. Further, Kienan Davis’ loss of form has seen him wisely rested However, with the emergence of Scott Hogan, the pressing need to recruit dissipated.
NAME GAME
Sam Johnstone
Manchester United loanee, Sam Johnstone has been in an imperious form for Aston Villa. The goalkeeper seems to be exacty what Bruce & Villa need. With his Manchester United contract running to a end, he could most likely make permanent his loan deal. At Villa at least he’s guaranteed a first team action, but other Premier League sides are surely also circling.
Axel Tuanzebe
The latest United player to join is Alex Tuanzebe. The young defender has struggled for first team game time with United and jumped at an offer to gain experience away from Old Trafford. Tuanzebe links up with high expectations after just 3 senior appearances and could stand to play a crucial role in the remainder of Villa’s season.
Marko Grujic
Bruce is also looking at getting a player with top flight experience in Liverpool’s Marko Grujic. The midfielder who has suffered from lack of playing time is reportedly desperate for a move away from Anfield and might view Villa Park as valuable playing time. However, with Villa’s tight financial situation and Liverpool’s erratic form, it remains to be seen whether any deal could be struck.
Dominick Drexler
A look abroad for players is not out of the question for Villa when looking at players available to join. According to German publication Kicker, Holstein Kiel attacking midfielder Dominick Drexler has been on the radar of Villa. His form which has seen him score eight goals and five assists has attracted a variety of suitors from England.
Nick Powell
The Wigan player has been monitored by Bruce, but The Latics have been unwilling to let go of their frontman. Powell, an attacking midfielder showed early career promise, resulting in a transfer to Man Utd. Powell’s future is expected to go down to the wire, with a number of sides reported to preparing late bids.
Lewis Grabban
Another striking option to be linked is Lewis Grabban. He remains a Bournemouth player who is currently on loan at Sunderland. There is the possibility that he will return to his parent club this January and will be re-loaned out once again. This is where Aston Villa is likely to have an edge, with Sunderland floundering at the foot of the Championship. The 29-year-old striker has 11 championship goals this season, in a very poor Chris Coleman side.