Aston Villa face 'serious' competition from Tottenham Hotspur in January striker pursuit

Aston Villa have been credited with an interest in the Premier League attacker ahead of the January window

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Aston Villa will get the opportunity to bring in some new signings this winter. They have the chance to bolster their squad in the upcoming January transfer window ahead of the second-half of the season. The Midlands outfit will also be able to sell some players if needed next month.

That would help free up space and funds in their ranks to pave the way for potential reinforcements. Unai Emery’s side are having to juggle their Premier League duties with Europa League action in this campaign. They are back in action next Sunday against Manchester United at Villa Park.

Aston Villa face Tottenham Hotspur competition in Igor Thiago transfer chase

Aston Villa target Igor Thiago at Brentford is attracting ‘serious interest’ from Tottenham Hotspur, according to CaughtOffside. The report adds that his price tag is around the £61million mark and Newcastle United have also been mentioned as a suitor. He is under contract with the Bees until June 2029 meaning they are under no immediate pressure to sell him just yet and they can wait for the right money to come in for his signature.

Thiago, 24, joined his current club in 2024 but missed the majority of his first year in England due to injury. He has since returned with a bang and has become a key player for Keith Andrews’ side at the top end of the pitch. The forward has scored 12 goals this term and has proved to be a real handful.

The attacker fired 29 goals in 55 outings for Club Brugge before Brentford came calling. He has also had spells in the past at Cruzeiro and Ludogorets in the past. The Bees are likely to face a battle to keep hold of him down the line amid attention from elsewhere.

What now for Aston Villa target Igor Thiago ahead of January?

Aston Villa could see Thiago as someone to strengthen their attacking department. If he joined, he would give them something different to call upon. In addition, he could battle it out with Ollie Watkins for a place in Emery’s starting XI.

Spurs and Newcastle are also in the frame though meaning there will be competition for his signature. Thomas Frank knows the player well and was Brentford’s manager when he joined them. They would be able to offer him Champions League football, as could Eddie Howe’s side.

Andrews said in October: "He's clearly in a very good place, great rhythm in his game, playing with confidence, enjoying life. He's been a critical part of what we've done. It's nice to hear that he's been nominated [for Premier League Player of the Month], because he deserves it.

"He's already shown he can be a top performer in the Premier League. He gives the opposition a headache, the way he plays the game. I'm not sure many players will relish playing against him. He's very demanding of himself. Some players you have to push and some players you have to rein in - he's definitely the latter. He's in a great place and we want to keep him there.”