Aston Villa are reportedly keen on Hull City goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Earlier this week, Sky Sports reported that Aston Villa are keen to sign Hull City goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, with manager Steve Bruce seemingly interested in reuniting with his first ever Hull signing.
Over his managerial career, Bruce has shown a tendency to sign players he has worked with previously, and he showed that again in January having landed his former Sunderland midfielder Conor Hourihane.
With that in mind, here are three more players Bruce has previously managed that Villa could target this summer alongside Jakupovic…
Sebastian Larsson, Sunderland
Signed by Bruce at both Birmingham and Sunderland, Larsson is one of the Aston Villa manager’s most trusted players, and has been for many years. The Swede is known for his superb delivery from set pieces, and whilst he is now 31, he could still play a part in Villa’s squad next season. Available on a free transfer given that his contract with Sunderland will expire this summer, it would be little surprise to see Larsson and Bruce reunite once again.
Ryan Harley of Exeter City in action with Ahmed Elmohamady of Hull City
Ahmed Elmohamady, Hull City
Another player signed twice by Bruce, at Sunderland and Hull City, Elmohamady is a versatile player who has regularly featured in the Premier League in recent years. The Egyptian international can play at right back, right wing back or on the right of midfield, and that could appeal to Bruce, even after signing James Bree from Barnsley in January. The Mirror reported in October that Bruce was keen on a reunion with Elmohamady, even though the 29-year-old is contracted until 2019.
Burnley’s George Boyd celebrates scoring
George Boyd, Burnley
Capable of playing out wide or as a central playmaker, Boyd has been a consistent performer for Burnley ever since joining from Hull City in 2014. During his time under Bruce, Boyd became a trusted player, and Bruce even told the Daily Star that he would be happy if Boyd was his son in law. Available on a free transfer when his Burnley contract expires this summer, Boyd could add quality and balance to the Villa attack, as well as giving Bruce another player he can trust.
Who would you like to see Villa sign this summer?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
