Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia increased the likelihood that he will be a target for Premier League clubs this summer after scoring his 18th Championship goal of the season on Tuesday night.
Despite a fine run of form that has seen them win seven of their last eight matches – conceding just one goal in that period – Steve Bruce’s side look unlikely to snatch a play-off spot as they are nine points adrift with just six games of the campaign remaining.
That could mean that the Ivory Coast international – who has netted seven in his last seven – could become a target for top flight clubs that are looking for goalscorers at the end of the campaign.
While he may not be available on the cheap, the lure of a Premier League move could be too good for the attacker to turn down, and he might not be the only Villan being watched.
Here are THREE Villa players other than Kodjia that could be targets for top-flight clubs this summer…
Nathan Baker
With Micah Richards already in their ranks and James Chester and Tommy Elphick arriving at Villa Park during the summer transfer window, Baker looked like he may have found himself down the pecking order in the Championship this season.
That was the case in the early stages of the campaign under Roberto Di Matteo, but when he was sacked and replaced by Steve Bruce, the 25-year-old’s fortunes changed.
He has become a mainstay at the heart of the defence under Bruce and will have certainly caught the attentions of watching scouts with his solid performances at the back.
James Chester
Some people would have been surprised when the Welshman made the drop down from the Premier League to the Championship after putting in some impressive performances for West Brom, and he has quickly proven that he is one of the best defenders at this level.
The 28-year-old has formed a formidable partnership alongside Baker during their impressive recent run of results, and with Villa set to spend another season outside of the Premier League, Chester could well be a target for top-flight clubs this summer.
Mile Jedinak
As with Chester, some people may have been surprised when Jedinak swapped the Premier League with Crystal Palace for a Championship campaign with Aston Villa after three seasons of regular top-flight football.
However, the Australian did find first-team opportunities harder to come by under Alan Pardew and Selhurst Park, and he has certainly found a new home where he is loved at Villa Park.
The 32-year-old has been one of Villa’s best players this term in midfield – as well as filling in at centre-back on occasion – and his quality and experience from a defensive point of view could be an attractive proposition for some top flight clubs.
