Aston Villa are reportedly ready to make a big money offer for James Bree, after Steve Bruce watched his performance in the FA Cup third round, according to the Mirror.
The 19-year-old starlet is one of many talented youngsters that Barnsley have produced in recent years, along with John Stones and Mason Holgate. Last season, Bree was awarded the LFE Apprentice of the Year for League 1 and played an important part in Barnsley’s promotion campaign.
Although Bree tackles well, his ability going forward is what’s forcing clubs to stop and take a look at him. His composure on the ball shows a maturity far past his age, and with great vision and the ability to whip a quality ball into dangerous areas, the teenager seems destined for the top.
Alan Hutton’s contract is up at the end of the season and although he has done a solid job for Aston Villa this season, his lack of attacking ability and positional awareness has frustrated fans. Almost immediately after Bruce became Aston Villa manager he put a new right back at the top of his shopping list. Although Villa have been linked with a loan move for Mathieu Debuchy, it is believed that Bruce prefers a permanent replacement, and is confident that a £4 million bid would ensure a move for James Bree is successful.
Championship giants Aston Villa are hoping a playoff battle and a huge increase in wages will tempt Bree into joining the claret and blue outfit and the youngster would go straight into Bruce’s first eleven. Although there has been a lot of interest in him, Villa’s bid will be the first cash offer and is thought to be enough to prise the highly rated defender from Barnsley’s grasp.
Just the one loan signing so far this January window for Villa means Bruce will be working hard on transfers until the clock strikes 12 on the 31st of January. Although he has made an immediate impact, taking Aston Villa from 19th to 12th and closing the gap on the top six to just seven points, poor performances against Cardiff and Norwich show he has a long way to go if Villa are to truly contest for a playoff spot.
Villa have shown their intent with a recent bid of £3 million for Henri Lansbury, and are looking to swap Ross McCormack for Norwich winger Robbie Brady. Villa will be hoping to make Barnsley’s latest superstar their second January signing before the upcoming home game against Preston.
