Niclas Fullkrug’s 13 Bundesliga goals for Hannover have reportedly caught the eye of Aston Villa.
No matter if Aston Villa stay in the Championship or return to the Premier League, a new striker is a must in the summer transfer window.
Villa have not exactly struggled for goals this season, with midfielders Connor Hourihane and Albert Adomah chipping in, but the lack of a prolific centre-forward means there is a gaping hole in Steve Bruce’s front line.
Jonathan Kodjia has scored once throughout an injury-hit season while Scott Hogan and Keinan Davis have just eight between them. Lewis Grabban (below) made a stunning impact when arriving from Bournemouth in January but he is only on loan and, as things stand, his future remains unclear.
But could Hannover striker Niclas Fullkrug be the man Aston Villa need?
The 25-year-old has enjoyed the most prolific season of his career in 2017/18 with 13 Bundesliga goals for Andre Breitenreiter’s side. Only Mark Uth, Nils Petersen, Kevin Volland and the irrepressible Robert Lewandowski have more to their name.
And Bild claim that Fullkrug’s form has caught the eye of Villa, along with the likes of Newcastle United, Leicester City and Watford. The former Germany U20 ace is under contract until 2020, meaning Hannover can demand around £10 million, the report adds.
But would Fullkrug be worth that fee? He is hardly a household name in England and is something of a late bloomer, although he has shown himself to be an excellent source of goals this season, a lethal weapon inside the penalty area and a player who has been remarkably efficient in the final third.
Furthermore, he has experience when it comes to keeping a newly promoted side in the league – a trait that could come in handy should Villa earn promotion via the play-offs.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
