Aston Villa have joined a number of clubs in the race to sign Oxford United’s Marvin Johnson, reports the Birmingham Mail.

Steve Bruce is interested in taking the left-sided player to Villa Park during the summer, as he looks to rebuild after what has been a disastrous campaign for Villa.

Johnson joined Oxford during the summer from Scottish Premier League side Motherwell, following the U’s promotion to Sky Bet League One.

The 26-year old has scored five goals this season and helped Oxford to 11^th in the League One table, seemingly heading for a well-respected mid-table finish.

Bruce is currently limited to his options on the left-side, particularly in attack, with full-back Jordan Amavi stepping in for the injured Andre Green in Tuesday’s defeat to Huddersfield Town.

Albert Adomah is the only senior winger Bruce has available, with Villa promoting a number of youngsters, including Green, to the first-team.

Villa will face stiff competition if they are to secure Johnson’s signature in the summer, with Birmingham City and Premier League outfit West Brom also interested.

The Daily Mail also reported yesterday that Steve McClaren was interested in taking Johnson to the Pride Park Stadium, as Derby look to bolster their squad for a promotion push next season.

Villa fans… Do you think the addition of Johnson would be a good move? Let us know in the comments below!