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Steve Bruce admitted he wished he’d signed Charlie Austin, now he’s wanted at Aston Villa

Steve Bruce the head coach (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Aston Villa are said to want Southampton striker Charlie Austin, as Dean Smith plots additions.

Charlie Austin of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton FC at Wembley Stadium on December 5,...

According to the Telegraph, Aston Villa are considering signing Charlie Austin, and if they do pull off the deal their former boss, Steve Bruce, may be impressed.

Dean Smith is said to be considering making an offer for the Southampton front man, as he looks to improve Villa’s attacking options.

Austin has proven himself to be a brilliant goal-getter at Championship level, and ex-Villa boss Bruce is a big fan.

Bruce admitted to Sky Sports back in 2015 that he wishes he’d signed Austin when in charge at Hull City.

He said: “We’d identified him. I think he would have been a real terrific player for us, as he has proved. He is a goalscorer with a fantastic attitude.”

Steve Bruce the head coach

If Villa could bring in Austin he would give Smith one of the most feared attacks in the Championship

Tammy Abraham has scored with great frequency this term, and Austin could take some of the goalscoring responsibility off the youngster’s shoulders.

Smith has suggested that Villa want to reduce the average age of their squad, but it seems that he could make an exception to his transfer policy with the signing of Austin.

And if Villa did bring in the prolific forward then their chances of getting promoted this season would surely be greatly increased.

Charlie Austin of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton at Vitality Stadium on December 3, 2017...