January transfer window: Four strikers that could fit the mould for Aston Villa

With Villa in need of a striker to provide competition for club-record signing Wesley - who could fit the mould for Dean Smith's side?

Danny Loader

Highly rated at Reading, Danny Loader has often been linked with moves to the top flight over recent years.

Just 19 years of age, he would fit the mould in terms of Villa's transfer strategy under Smith and Christian Purslow - signing younger players with potential, that can accrue high re-sale value.

He was very close to a move to the Midlands over the summer, with the youngster seemingly set for Wolves, only for that deal to fall through.

He's out of contract this summer, so Reading are likely to entertain offers if a new contract can't be agreed.

The only issue Villa may have is other clubs battling for his services, with Manchester United one of the latest sides linked with a move for the promising striker.

Jarrod Bowen

One of the best goal-getters in the Championship, Hull's Jarrod Bowen will likely be a sought after commodity in January.

He's netted nine times in the second tier to date, as well as registering two assists for the Tigers - albeit in a 'false nine' role.

Hull are almost certain to exercise the 12-month extension in the 22-year-old's contract, but have offered an improved deal to the forward to keep him at the KCOM.

That means a move won't come cheaply, and add the fact that he's likely to have plenty of suitors and a bidding war could ensue.

He has done little to cool speculation regarding links with Villa though, with his father being a fan of the club - and with the player himself following Smith's side on social media in recent months.

Alfredo Morelos

Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos is another man who's been linked with a move to B6 this winter, and it's hard to argue with his goal record so far this season.

He's banged in 22 goals in just 26 appearances for rangers this season, although that does come with the caveat that he's playing in the Scottish top flight, which is not at the level of the Premier League.

Regardless, the 23-year-old's stock is at an all-time high, and although Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is confident a move won't happen, that won't stop clubs sniffing around.

The striker himself hinted that he'd fancy a move to a more competitive league when speaking on Colombian radio.

What better league to test yourself than the top flight?

Olivier Giroud

Not exactly suited to Villa's recent transfer policy - particularly outfield, but Olivier Giroud would undoubtedly bring some Premier League experience to the club's ranks.

At 33 years of age, Giroud would be the joint-oldest Villa signing over the 2019/20 season, alongside Tom Heaton - but he's unlikely to set the club back too much in terms of a transfer fee.

With his Chelsea contract running down, and behind Frank Lampard's other striking options - reports suggest they could be willing to sell up, especially if their transfer ban is overturned.

The issue for Villa will likely come down to competition across the continent, his wages and whether they'll be willing to spend the dough on a striker whose re-sale value will certainly be well below what they pay in January.

But, if he provides the goals this season, he could be worth it...