Aston Villa will not let Scott Hogan leave for Sheffield United until they have secured a replacement.

The former Brentford striker is interesting the Blades, with manager Chris Wilder desperate to do a deal for the 26-year old that would make him the highest paid player at the club.

However, the Birmingham Mail have revealed that Steve Bruce will not sanction a move for Hogan until a new forward arrives.

And, that's proving very problematic at the minute for the West Midlands side, with Chelsea's Tammy Abraham believed to have turned them down in recent weeks.

But, Bruce has until Friday to bring in new players and will be on the lookout for a number nine to provide a real challenge to Jonathan Kodjia up top.

For the Blades, Hogan would potentially be a good addition as he looks to end a tough spell at Villa.

He has managed just seven league goals in 51 games for Villa, yet prior to that he scored 21 in 32 for the Bees, which prompted Bruce to spend £12m on the player.

The Verdict

This is a move that all three parties will want to happen but it's understandable that Villa won't sell until they get a replacement in.

Bruce knows that he needs a big squad and Hogan will still have a role to play even if it's as a squad player.

However, it will be an interesting few days as Bruce looks to bring in that additional striker that will see this move go through.

Thoughts, Villa and Sheffield United fans? Let us know in the comments below.