Aston Villa are reportedly keen on Burnley striker Ashley Barnes.
Aston Villa’s search for a striker took another turn on Friday, as The Independent reported that the club are interested in signing Burnley’s Ashley Barnes before the transfer window slams shut.
Villa made their second signing of the transfer window on Friday, as midfielder Henri Lansbury joined the club from Nottingham Forest, adding to goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who joined Villa on loan from Manchester United earlier this month.
Burnley’s Ashley Barnes in action
Manager Steve Bruce has been desperately searching for reinforcements, with Villa currently ten points off a play-off place ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Preston North End at Villa Park.
It now seems that Bruce is turning his attention to landing another striker, having seen Rudy Gestede leave for Middlesbrough and Jonathan Kodjia head off to the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.
Burnley’s Ashley Barnes in action with Southampton’s Cedric Soares
The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Villa had failed in a bid to sign long-term target Jordan Rhodes from Middlesbrough, and with just over a week left of the transfer window, Villa appear to have turned their attention elsewhere.
The Independent report that Villa are keen on a £5million swoop for Burnley striker Ashley Barnes, who has hit three goals in 12 Premier League appearances this term, after missing most of last season through injury.
Barnes, 27, has scored just 11 goals in 79 games for Burnley, and the Austrian’s goal record has sparked an underwhelming reaction from Villa fans on Twitter, who believe the club should be looking for better players than Barnes.
Others think that Barnes could be handy in the Championship next season if that’s where Villa are playing, but many aren’t convinced that Barnes would be a good signing for the suggested £5million.
However, many Burnley fans would hate to see Barnes leave, claiming that he’s underrated and urging the club not to sell the burly striker.
Some think that £5million is a good price for Barnes, but Clarets supporters generally don’t see a deal happening – and they appear to be happy with that, and judging by the reactions on Twitter, so would Villa fans.
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