Aston Villa are rumoured to have been long-term admirers of Hull City striker Abel Hernandez.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Speaking to reporters ahead of his side’s game against Cardiff City tomorrow, Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce fielded questions regarding the club’s reported pursuit of Hull City’s Abel Hernandez, and appeared to rule them out of the running to sign the striker, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail.
The Villans are in the midst of a fine run of form in the Championship, following Bruce’s arrival last month, but face a challenge ahead of them in January with two of their star forwards – Jordan Ayew and Jonathan Kodjia set to depart due to their participation in the African Cup of Nations.
And, speaking to reporters, Bruce offered his view on whether Villa actually need another striker, highlighting the plethora of options he currently has at his disposal at Villa Park, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail:
“We’ve got a bit of a problem in January because two of them leave, Ayew and Kodjia go to the African Cup of Nations. But I’ve got six or seven centre forwards. I think there are other areas that need strengthening than at the top end of the pitch. The club has invested heavily in the summer with McCormack and Kodjia, then we’ve got Kozak, Gabby, Gestede and Grealish likes to play off the front. I know Abel well and he’s a very, very good player, but at the moment I don’t think I need to strengthen that top end of the pitch.”
Hull City’s Abel Hernandez
Despite Bruce’s insistence that the club do not need to strengthen in forward areas, their goalscoring record provides evidence to the contrary, with only five teams in the division having scored less goals than Villa this season.
They have undoubtedly improved as a side over the this past month, however, and with the added confidence that a good run of results can bring, Bruce will be hoping that his side can start to score with more regularity.
Aston Villa Manager Steve Bruce
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