Aston Villa set to rival Wolves for Southampton striker Sam Gallagher
Steve Bruce has confirmed Aston Villa are interested in signing Southampton striker Sam Gallagher on loan.
Wolves have been strongly linked with the talented youngster, but Bruce is now set to rival Nuno Espirito Santo for the forward's signature.
However, the Villa boss is all too aware of the interest around Gallagher, but remains hopeful of securing the services of the 21-year-old.
“Every club in the Championship has been linked with him," said Bruce
“It’s something we’re looking at. He interests us yes.”
The Express and Star yesterday confirmed that Wolves now have 'substantial funds' to buy the right striker, but a loan deal for Gallagher would still be the preference.
Derby are also rumoured to have joined the race.
Gallagher impressed while on loan at Blackburn Rovers last season, scoring 11 goals in 42 appearances despite the club suffering relegation to League One.
Villa meanwhile host Norwich tomorrow with Bruce under rising pressure following an underwhelming start to the season which has seen his team pick up just one point from their opening three Championship fixtures.
It is a run which has left Bruce searching for answers, though his position is not thought to be under any immediate threat, with club bosses confident he remains capable of turning things around.
There is however an acceptance that results must quickly improve and Bruce’s current lack of striking options has been identified as a key concern.
Villa have made four permanent signings during the current the transfer window, along with the loan captures of Sam Johnstone and Josh Onomah from Manchester United and Tottenham respectively.
But Bruce has been hamstrung to a large extent by the club’s need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and another loan signing would appear his most viable option for bolstering the forward line. Southampton striker Sam Gallagher is among Villa’s potential targets, though the 21-year-old is not short of suitors.
Kodjia, who scored 19 goals last season, is not expected to return until later next month as he completes his recover from a broken ankle.
