Aston Villa have made a tremendous start to the Sky Bet Championship season, with Steve Bruce’s side looking like an outfit more than capable of ending a miserable few years for the club by delivering a push for promotion.
The Villans are entering December in fourth, five points behind the automatic promotion places, but well placed to secure a top-six finish at the very least later on this season.
However, Bruce will have his worries, particularly with a mounting injury list that includes last season’s top scorer, Jonathan Kodjia, along with last January’s high-profile arrival, Scott Hogan.
Keinan Davis, 19, is Bruce’s only fit recognised striker heading into a crucial period, with it looking extremely likely that Villa will be forced to bring another striker to Villa Park in the New Year.
With that in mind, we take a look at THREE strikers that Bruce and Villa need to be keeping tabs on heading into January…
Leon Clarke – Sheffield United
Reports have confirmed that Villa are already lining up a move for the Championship’s leading goalscorer in the New Year, and it is easy to understand why.
Clarke, 32, has scored 13 goals already this season, including nine in his last four appearances, spearheading Sheffield United’s promotion push.
Whether the Blades would be willing to sell to a direct rival remains to be seen, but it is certainly worth Villa asking the question.
Danny Ings – Liverpool
There has been plenty of speculation about Danny Ings, and if the Liverpool striker is available on-loan, a move to the Championship could be a real possibility, as he looks to rediscover his best.
If the 25-year-old is available for a temporary move in January, he would be a great addition to Bruce’s squad at Villa Park, as if he can keep his fitness, he will undoubtedly score goals.
Louis Moult – Motherwell
Whether Moult is capable of cutting it in the Championship is up for debate, but with the striker’s contract with Motherwell running down, he could be a man Villa take a look at.
The 25-year-old has bagged 14 goals across all competitions north of the border this season, and if Villa are looking for a cheap option in January, Moult could be their man.
Worth keeping an eye on.