Aston Villa and Sunderland are keeping closes tabs on prolific Scottish striker Connor Shields, according to Football Insider.
The reliable news site claim that the two Championship big guns sent scouts to watch Shields, 20, in action for Scottish League One side Albion Rovers during their weekend defeat to Alloa.
Football Insider report that Villa are ready to line up a bid for someone with what they believe is the potential to develop into a first-team regular in the future.
It is said that Albion Rovers are unlikely to stand in Shields’ way if any of his English suitors firm up their interest in the striker when the transfer window reopens in January.
Good move for Aston Villa?
Shields is clearly one for the future, and Villa fans could be forgiven for thinking their team should be concentrating on signing a striker who can shoot them back to the Premier League. None of Steve Bruce’s strikers – Scott Hogan, Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis – have scored more than two goals this season, and the lack of finishing power must be a major concern. Nevertheless, Shields could be a smart acquisition if he continues to rip up the Scottish third tier. He is clearly a striker of rich promise.
This Is Futbol rating 5/10
Likely to happen?
There is seemingly serious competition in Shields from two of the Championship’s biggest clubs, but Villa have the resources to push through a deal if they are convinced the youngster is the real deal.
This Is Futbol rating 5/10