Aston Villa to intensify striker search in January transfer window
Villa will intensify efforts to sign a striker in the January transfer window with record signing Wesley set to miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.
The Brazilian ace damaged his anterior cruciate ligament after being tackled by Ben Mee in Villa’s 2-1 New Year’s Day win at Burnley and is expected to be out for at least six months.
Villa were already looking to bolster their forward line but the loss of Wesley, who joined in a £22million move from Club Brugge last summer, makes the need for reinforcements even more pressing. Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi is a possible loan target.
Victory at Burnley eased the pressure on Villa boss Dean Smith but appears to have come at a significant cost. The club were last night still waiting to learn the extent of the knee injury sustained by goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who also left the field on a stretcher.
With Jed Steer still recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the 2-1 defeat at Wolves in November, Orjan Nyland is now set to be the club’s No.1.
Villa are also expected to recall youngster Matija Sarkic from his loan spell at Livingston, while the club must decide whether to keep Lovre Kalinic on the books.
The Croatian international, who has endured a nightmare spell since joining in a £7million move last January, was widely expected to depart this month but may now be needed as back-up.
