Aston Villa have joined Wolves in the race to sign Stoke City defender Moritz Bauer, according to Birmingham Live.
The regional newspaper reports on their website that the 26-year-old been identified as a prime target for boss Dean Smith this month as he looks to add reinforcements to his defence.
The report adds that the Championship club are keen on bringing in a few defenders before the transfer deadline on January 31, and the right-back – who Stoke paid £5.5 million for last January [Express & Star] – is now a target after starting the last three games under new manager Nathan Jones.
Good move for Aston Villa?
Yes, this could be a good move for Villa. Bauer has the talent to thrive at Villa Park, and seeing as the likes of Alan Hutton have had a mixed season, he would provide an alternative option for Smith this term. He does have Premier League experience to his name, which means that he is evidently a player of pedigree. Villa landing him would be a great deal for them, especially as the report states that they are after some defenders.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
The report only states that Villa are only interested in the player, so a move does not look to be on the cards just yet. They will have to move swiftly though, as the window comes to an end in a few days’ time. With Wolves also in the running to sign Bauer, the chances of signing are somewhat slim, but not completely out of the question. It remains to be seen what will happen with this interest, so watch this space.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10