Aston Villa are preparing for a potential January transfer tussle with fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace for the signature of Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson, according to reports.
Villa's Title Ambitions Fuel Transfer Interest
Unai Emery's high-flying Aston Villa side return to action this Sunday with a home fixture against Manchester United, riding a wave of impressive form. Their dramatic 3-2 victory away at West Ham United last time out solidified their status as genuine title contenders.
The Midlands club now sit just three points behind league leaders Arsenal, a team they defeated at Villa Park earlier this month. With Manchester City only two points ahead in second, Villa's ambitions are clear, and strengthening the squad in January is seen as a key step.
The Battle for Brennan Johnson
As per TEAMtalk, Villa are weighing up a move for Tottenham's 24-year-old Welsh international Brennan Johnson. The report indicates that Crystal Palace are also keen admirers of the player, setting the stage for a winter window battle.
Johnson made a £48 million switch from Nottingham Forest to Spurs in 2023 but has found consistent starts hard to come by this season under manager Thomas Frank. Despite being under contract in North London until June 2029, his future is uncertain amid this external interest.
The attacker, a product of Nottingham Forest's academy, has scored 27 goals in 105 appearances for Tottenham. Eighteen of those goals came last season as Spurs clinched the Europa League title.
How Johnson Could Fit at Villa Park
Should Aston Villa succeed in luring Johnson to the West Midlands, he would offer a significant injection of pace and directness to Emery's attacking options. His speed would provide a different dimension, adding depth and competition on the wing alongside players like Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, and Donyell Malen.
However, Villa's chances may hinge on the situations of current loan players Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho. With both struggling to make their expected impact, their deals could be cut short, freeing up space and resources for a move for Johnson.
Attention now turns to Villa's weekend clash with Manchester United, a team known for a leaky defence despite their attacking prowess. A positive result would further underscore the club's credentials ahead of a potentially pivotal January transfer window.
