Aston Villa are reportedly pursuing a deal for Southampton striker Sam Gallagher.
According to The Mirror’s live transfer blog (02:51), Southampton are concerned about sending striker Sam Gallagher on loan to Aston Villa over the fact that Steve Bruce already has strikers at his disposal.
Villa finally showed signs of life this season by beating Norwich City 4-2 at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon, with Conor Hourihane bagging a hat-trick in a stunning win for Bruce’s men, easing the pressure on the Villa boss.
However, he remains in the market for new signings ahead of the transfer deadline later this month, and another striker appears to be on his wish list – but he could be blocked from signing his top target.
The Mirr
The Mirror’s live transfer blog (02:51) reports that Villa are in the market for Southampton striker Sam Gallagher, but the Saints have reservations over sending him on loan to Villa Park due to the other strikers at Bruce’s disposal.
Bruce will have Jonathan Kodjia back from injury shortly, whilst he also has Scott Hogan, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and even out of favour Ross McCormack who can play up front if needed.
That could limit Gallagher’s playing time, and Southampton are understood to be worried that the 21-year-old forward – who hit 12 goals for Blackburn Rovers during a loan spell last season – wouldn’t play regularly for Villa.
Southampton’s stance means that other interested clubs – Villa’s Championship rivals Birmingham City, Derby County and Wolverhampton Wanderers – are all vying for Gallagher’s signature, and could hold an upper hand over Villa in the race for his services.
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