Sky Bet League One duo Coventry City and Charlton Athletic are interested in signing Aston Villa youngster Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, according to reports from The Sun on Sunday (page 63, 06/01).

The 20-year old is surplus to requirements under Dean Smith, despite making a total of seven appearances for Steve Bruce in all competitions at the start of the season.

The Villa academy graduate has made a total of seventeen appearances for the Villans in his brief career to date but has failed to find the back of the net for the club - with the opportunity to move to League One promotion chasers Coventry City and Charlton Athletic seemingly on the horizon.

Lee Bowyer's Charlton currently sit 4th in the Sky Bet League One table after a recent 1-1 draw with promotion rivals Sunderland at the weekend, whereas Mark Robins' Coventry sit seven points off the play-off places, in 8th position. The Sky Blues are need of a spark up top if they are to ignite a promotion push in the second half of the campaign.

After just one win in their last six league games, Villa sit 10th position in the Sky Bet Championship table, five points off the play-off positions.

The Verdict

A move to League One could be beneficial for Hepburn-Murphy, who has failed to get a look-in under Dean Smith.

The youngster has caught the eye at Villa Park in recent years, but perhaps the only thing missing from his game is goals.

If he can find the net a few times in League One, then he'll undoubtedly come back as a better player, and could be of use to Smith in the next couple of years.