Aston Villa are reportedly keen on signing Charlie Austin from Southampton in the summer, should they achieve promotion back to the Premier League this season.  

Steve Bruce’s side currently sit fourth in the Championship table, and although the play-offs look the club’s most likely route to the Premier League, Villa are still in firm contention during the run-in.

According to reports via the Sun, Austin will be one player on Bruce’s radar in the summer, should Villa gain a Premier League return.

Austin, 28, is currently with Southampton in the Premier League, but the Saints could well be swapping places with Villa in the summer, with the club in serious danger of relegation.

Should Southampton, who currently sit two points adrift of safety, suffer relegation, Villa are one club keen to take Austin off their hands, whilst they could face competition from AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City, who are also interested.

So far this season Austin has scored six goals in 18 appearances for Southampton across all competitions, as the club continues to struggle.

Over the course of his career, Austin has scored over 130 league goals during spells with Saints, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Swindon Town.

The Verdict  

Austin’s arrival would excite Villa’s supporters, and should Bruce guide his side to promotion, the 28-year-old is exactly the type of player he should be targeting.

Villa’s current striking options are good, but do lack top-flight experience, which Austin would bring.

Whatever division Villa find themselves in next season, recruitment will be key, but links with Austin will be greeted with positivity at Villa Park.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!