Aston Villa are said to want Southampton striker Charlie Austin, as Dean Smith plots additions.

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.
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.”

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.

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