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Pair of Premier League Players Targeted by Aston Villa

By Josh Tonti

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Jordan Rhodes of Middlesbrough reacts during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Tottenham Hotspur at the Riverside Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Jordan Rhodes of Middlesbrough reacts during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Tottenham Hotspur at the Riverside Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce looks to scour his old league for potential transfers come the January transfer window.

Reports out of Birmingham suggest a pair of Premier League players could be on Aston Villa’s radar. This time, another forward and a goalkeeper – who has worked with Bruce in the past.

Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes is the first name linked with Aston Villa (I feel like Rhodes is linked with any good Championship team in need of goals, but I digress).

The Scotland international is reportedly frustrated with a lack of playing time in Aitor Karanka’s team. Summer signing Alvaro Negredo currently leads the line at Riverside Stadium, leaving Jordan Rhodes to bench duty.

Rhodes’ extensive Championship experience could be something to lean on for Aston Villa, knowing that a trio of attackers: Albert Adomah, Jordan Ayew, and Albert Adomah all will miss significant time in January for the African Cup of Nations.

Rhodes’ 155 Football League strikes have come for a variety of teams, including: Huddersfield Town, Blackburn Rovers, Brentford, and Middlesbrough.

At 6 foot, one inch in height, Rhodes carries the ability to lead the line all by himself. Which, would be handy, considering star man Jonathan Kodjia will most likely be missing for Ivory Coast duty. Moreover, still only 26 years of age, it feels like there may be some untapped potential still left in Rhodes (It feels like his name has been floated around forever).

Not to be outdone by a fellow Premier Leaguer, Hull Cuty goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic has also been reportedly linked with Villa. 

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We recently covered the Sam Johnstone rumors and how they didn’t quite make sense for Aston Villa at this time.

This rumor, however, makes much more sense. Jakupovic is 32 and sitting as the third-string ‘keeper at Hull City, where he is getting frustrated.

A move for the Bosnian-born, Swiss international Jakupovic would provide current number one, Pierluigi Gollini, increased competition without directly replacing him.

With Mark Bunn’s contract expiring in the summer, now could be the time to bring in a comfortable understudy.

As proven last season, you never know when a goalkeeper’s form will take a free fall (We’re looking at you, Brad Guzan).

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