Aston Villa could be set to make a shock January move for former Man United midfielder Nick Powell, according to Alan Nixon on Twitter.

The Wigan man has been in impressive form this term and knows Steve Bruce well from their time together at Hull City, meaning he will be confident of landing the midfielder if the Villans can agree a fee with the Latics.

The move would come as a surprise to many Villans, who were expecting the club to have to dip into the loan market or make no signings at all following two transfer windows of heavy spending over the last 12 months.

According to Nixon though, Bruce is looking to move out a few players he deems surplus to requirements at Villa Park to make room for Powell, although it remains to be seen just which players will bite the bullet as Bruce looks to improve his options going into the second half of the season.

Powell has notched 10 goals this term already to guide Wigan to the top of the League One table, and they will be keen to keep hold of their star man as they look to seal an immediate return to the second tier following last season's relegation.

Villa fans, what do you think? Good signing? Let us know in the comments!