Aston Villa could make a move for Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez in the January transfer window, as per reports.
The Lions are in desperate need of a new striker following an injury to Wesley, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
According to The Athletic, Villa are interested in Rodriguez, who only signed with Burnley in the summer transfer window for a fee of £5 million.
The 30-year-old re-signed with his boyhood club in the summer from West Bromwich Albion, but could be on the move once again.
Rodriguez has played 21 times for the Clarets in the Premier League this season, but only 5 of those have been starts.
The Englishman has scored three goals in the Premier League this season, and six goals in all competitions. His contract with Burnley expires in 2021, with the Clarets having the option to extend his deal by a season, as per Transfermarkt.
Jay Rodriguez – Right option for Aston Villa?
Villa are currently in a relegation dogfight with Bournemouth, Watford, Norwich City, and West Ham United, and their task has been made tougher after Wesley’s injury.
The club’s other two strikers – Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis, have also struggled with injuries this season, and are yet to score in the league this season.
Rodriguez could be a good short-term option for Villa if they intend to take him on loan till the end of the season. The striker would come with Premier League experience, having played for Southampton and West Brom in England’s top division.
He is technically good, and a capable finisher, while also being a good target man. He had a fantastic 2018-19 season for West Brom in the Championship, scoring 22 goals in 45 league games.
Rodriguez can hold the ball well and bring his teammates into play, while also dropping back to be involved in midfield. He can contribute to his side’s defence with his pressing from the top.
His experience and goal-scoring could help Villa stave off relegation, and he will hope to do much better than the man he is replacing, Wesley, who scored just 5 goals in 21 appearances for the Villans.
