Lille star Jonathan David is the latest striker to be linked with Villa.
The 23-year-old Canadian international has 10 goals in 24 games this season and is said to be a target for Manchester United.. Villa are monitoring the forward market as they ponder bringing in reinforcements to help them compete for trophies this season, but they are prepared to be patient, with Unai Emery constantly insisting that he will only buy players who improve on what he already has.
The manager also wants to avoid disrupting the present balance in the squad, explaining: “If we are trying to get someone, it is because we are extremely confident he would improve our level in the group. It is unclear whether you can obtain that in January.”
Bringing in another striker may allow Jhon Duran to leave on loan. The 20-year-old is thought to have been frustrated with his lack of playing time, despite starting last weekend’s FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough.
Winger Bertrand Traore and defender Calum Chambers will be permitted to depart if they receive suitable bids.
Villa are second in the Premier League and face Everton on Sunday, where striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be eligible after successfully appealing his red card in last week’s FA Cup match against Crystal Palace.
The England international was set to serve a three-game punishment after being sent off in the 0-0 draw, but the decision was reversed following a contentious VAR review.
Meanwhile, Villa’s academy has signed another highly touted talent, 16-year-old midfielder George Hemmings, from Nottingham Forest.
Hemmings, who has represented England at the under-16 level, will first join Villa’s under-18 group.
