Report: Aston Villa interested in former Birmingham loanee Sam Gallagher

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Sam Gallagher spent last season in the Championship on loan at Birmingham City from Southampton, and could reportedly return with Aston Villa

Sam Gallagher spent last season on loan at Birmingham City and has been lined up for a return to the second city this summer, but not via a second spell at St Andrews.

According to the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce is keen to sign the Southampton striker as he turns to the loan market in search for new additions.

Due to the need to raise £40 million in order to avoid Financial Fair Play sanctions, Villa will struggle to finance permanent signings this summer so temporary deals are likely to be the order of the day.

And it is reported that Bruce is a long-time admirer of Gallagher, despite the fact he scored just six goals in 33 Championship games for local rivals Birmingham last season.

The 22-year-old was far more impressive during a spell at Blackburn Rovers in 2016/17, however. He found the net 11 times despite Rovers’ relegation from the second tier.

It is not certain whether Southampton would be willing to let Gallagher go out on loan again this summer but, considering that he is well down the pecking order at St Mary’s, this could be a move that would suit all parties. The former Plymouth youngster is understood to be open to another spell in the Championship.

Interestingly, Bruce confirmed in August last year that he was interested in signing Gallagher and he will be hoping that he gets lucky at the second time of asking.