ROSS MCCORMACK

Despite actually turning up for work today, the Scottish striker now see’s reports linking him with a premature Villa exit intensify.

Fulham, McCormack’s club just 6 months ago have had a loan bid rejected.

This mirrors a similar rebuttle from Paul Lambert’s Wolves earlier in the window.

However, the sticking point appears to be that Villa are looking to completely cut their losses and recoup the outlay made in the summer.

This would require Steve Bruce to receive a bid in excess of £12 million pounds.

Reports tonight suggest that given the usually prolific strikers record, that a number of clubs are preparing bids.

Despite the rejected loan, this includes his former club Fulham.  Derby & Sheffield Wednesday are now thought to be admirers as they look to make serious challenges for promotion to the Premier League.

JACOB BEDEAU

Villa have been dealt a surprise set-back in the chase for 17 year old Bury defender, after an initial £750k bid was rejected.

What had been widely reported as a virtually done done in the national media, Bury may feel comfortable digging their heels in for a prized asset.

Additionally, Bedeau is known to have admirers in the form of top Premier League sides with deep pockets.

This now see’s Villa mulling whether to lift the initial offer over £1 million to seal the deal before other suitors take action.

You can read more about Bedeau here.

Chuba Akpom

A relatively interesting link is that of Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom.

Whilst his Arsenal career (like many) is yet to really get going, he did feature for Hull during their promotion campaign last term.

The fact that Steve Bruce was the manager there last season would lend some credit to the link at least.

Villa are obviously in the market for reinforcements up front and the addition of a promising talent with Championship winning experience does make sense.

The forward has had 4 loan spells, but hasn’t yielded much in the way of senior goals until recently.

Akpom scored in his first 2 games for Hull and achieved his first hat-trick during an FA Cup tie against Bury.  His loan concluded with him receiving a winners medal at the playoff final at Wembley.

He has represented England at all youth levels with a strike rate of around 1 in 2.  He also scored 3 goals in his 4 appearances in this season’s U21 Premier League for Arsenal.

Villa face competition, with Cardiff, Fulham & Brentford linked prior to the window opening.

An injury concern also exists, with the player having spent a spell out recently due to a back problem.