OPINION
Aston Villa have got their 2018/19 season off to a flying start with two wins from two games so far in the Championship helping to put a turbulent summer firmly behind them.
However, Steve Bruce is still able to delve into the loan market until the end of the month, and that is exactly what the Villa boss is expected to do after an uncertain summer overshadowed by the club’s financial problems.
Bruce was only able to sign two players, John McGinn and Orjan Hyland, on permanent deals before that market closed on Thursday, but it is anticipated he will invest in more loan deals to bulk out his squad ahead of a gruelling season.
One area where Bruce may look to reinforce is attacking midfield, with Jack Grealish requiring back-up as his only natural option in that position.
As reported by the Mirror, Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard is being lined up to make a temporary move to the Championship, and Villa must now swoop for the supremely talented 19-year-old starlet.
The newspaper claim that Madrid are keen to expose the Norway international to a more robust brand of football following a spell on loan in the Netherlands, and that has put several Championship clubs on alert.
It is said that Villa are expected to invest heavily in the loan market in the coming weeks, and they must now be among the clubs chasing Odegaard’s signature.
The 19-year-old has admittedly disappointed since his much-hyped move to Madrid a few years ago, but that was always going to be the case considering the considerable pressure placed upon his shoulders at such a young age.
On loan at Heerenveen the attacking midfielder really began to show his talents once again, and there is evidence to suggest that he could thrive in the Championship if given the chance.
There would be an element of risk to such a move, but the potential rewards outweigh all that, and Bruce must now launch a swoop for his signature.
Having Odegaard and Grealish as options behind a strike force containing Jonathan Kodjia, Albert Adomah and Scott Hogan could be a lethal combination in the second-tier, and Bruce must realise that.
Securing Odegaard could be the move to take Villa to another level going forward, and in the process help them towards the sole aim of promotion back to the Premier League.