Aston Villa eye two January transfers including former Man Utd alternative to Jadon Sancho

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Aston Villa are plotting a move for one-time Manchester United target David Brooks, according to reports. Dean Smith’s side have enjoyed an excellent start to the season, with hopes of securing at least a top-half finish.

Villa have spent more than £200million since their promotion in 2019, staying up on the final day of their first season back in the Premier League.

However, after remaning in the top-flight, Villa’s wealthy owners are willing to back Smith to continue improving their squad.

The vast majority of Smith’s squad is comprised of domestic players, having splashed out big transfer fees on the likes of Ollie Watkins, Tyrone Mings and Matt Targett.

Of course, their talisman Jack Grealish has come through the club’s academy and after extensive links with a move away, he remained with his boyhood team, signing a new deal last year.

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United were the club most heavily linked with Grealish, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly placing him towards the top of his transfer wishlist.

Despite that interest, Villa played hard-ball over their most prized asset, as United suffered another transfer failure during last year’s summer window.

Along with Grealish, the Red Devils spent much of the summer chasing Borussia Dortmund Jadon Sancho.

But similarly to Villa, the Bundesliga giants refused to budge on their valuation, which did lead them to look at Bournemouth’s Brooks.

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Brooks endured an injury ravaged 2019/20 season for the Cherries as they were relegated to the Championship.

The year before that however, the Welsh international burst onto the scene with seven goals in 30 league games.

United were said to be seriously considering a move for the 23-year-old as a viable alternative to Jadon Sancho.

The arrival of Amad Diallo means Solskjaer sanctioning a move for Brooks is now unlikely, leaving the door open for Villa.

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Smith is desperate to add another option on the right-hand side of his attack, with Brooks fitting the bill perfectly.

Mirror Sport report that he is high on Smith’s list of targets as he looks for an upgrade on Trezeguet and Anwar El Ghazi.

Villa bosses are hoping to take advantage of a depressed January transfer window, in order to steal a march on some of their Premier League rivals.

Leeds United target Michael Olise has also been linked, with the 19-year-old Reading star in demand after some impressive performances for the Royals.

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