OPINION
Oxford ace Marvin Johnson is reportedly demanding a move this summer and Aston Villa should consider challenging Hull for his signature.
Sky Sports claim that the 26-year-old has asked to leave the League One club after a £1million bid from Hull was turned down.
It is understood that the Tigers are set to make an improved offer in the “next few days”, but Villa should hijack their attempts with a move of their own.
Johnson is a versatile player that is capable at both left-back and as a left winger, something that makes him an attractive outfit for Steve Bruce’s side.
The Midlands giants need competition at left-back for Neil Taylor following the departure of Jordan Amavi this summer to Marseille.
Meanwhile, Villa have also lacked creativity in the wide areas and that has seen them pick up just one point from their opening two Championship matches.
Johnson would kill two birds with one stone and become a vital player in the squad if he moved to Villa Park.
The Englishman has become recognised for his great attacking threat and was in brilliant form last season during spells with Motherwell and Oxford.
He made 61 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and returning an impressive 15 assists.
Assist king Johnson could be the player to give Villa an extra spark out wide and would be a much better fit on the left wing that Gabriel Agbonlahor.
He can also act as cover for Taylor and has proven that he is defensively sound in the past.
Hull have already had a £1million bid turned down by Oxford for Johnson and Villa will have to surpass that sum, but an underwhelming start to the season should spur them on to bring in more players before the close of the window.