According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are lining up a January move for Sheffield United’s, Leon Clarke, as Steve Bruce looks to ease his striking woes at Villa Park.

Ross McCormack has been shipped away from Villa Park on-loan, whilst Gabby Agbonlahor, Scott Hogan and Jonathan Kodjia are all currently out of action due to injury, with the latter, last season’s top scorer, in danger of missing the remainder of the Sky Bet Championship season.

Bruce will look to address Villa’s striking problem during the January transfer window, and has highlighted Clarke as the club’s top target, after the 32-year-old has made an encouraging start to life back in the second-tier with Sheffield United.

Clarke has spearheaded the Blades’ push for back-to-back promotions, bagging 13 goals in his first 16 appearances of the season, which leaves him as the Championship’s leading goalscorer heading into December.

The striker has scored nine goals in his last four appearances, including hat-tricks against Hull City and Fulham, as Chris Wilder’s side continue to put pressure on the top-two, Wolves and Cardiff City.

Clarke has been with the Blades since the summer of 2016, helping them achieve promotion from League One last season, but is now entering the final 18 months of his contract at Bramall Lane, with Aston Villa set to test Sheffield United’s resolve in the New Year.

The Verdict

Clarke is in the best form of his career, and with the striker entering the final 18 months of his contract at Bramall Lane, it is no surprise to hear that clubs are taking an interest in the 32-year-old.

Villa’s need for striking reinforcements is great, as Bruce is over reliant on 19-year-old, Keinan Davis.

If Clarke can continue his fantastic form, he would be an excellent addition at Villa Park.

Aston Villa and Sheffield United fans… Let us know your thoughts!