Aston Villa line up move to sign Sunderland star who's "a handful" | OneFootball

That’s according to former Premier League scout Mick Brown as he spoke to Football Insider about Villa’s need to look for a replacement for Ollie Watkins.

Watkins hasn’t had the best season for Villa, and it might be time for Unai Emery and co. to bring in someone younger as a long-term successor to lead the line.

Brobbey has shone with Sunderland, so could be an ideal option for the Midlands outfit, though one imagines the Black Cats won’t be at all keen to sell the Dutchman.

Villa would surely represent a tempting step up for Brobbey, however, who has made an impressive start to life in the Premier League since his move from Ajax.

The 24-year-old has six goals and one assist so far, and could surely get even better numbers for a club like Villa.

Brian Brobbey tipped as Aston Villa transfer target

Discussing Villa’s plans, Brown explained why he felt they would likely be in the market for someone of Brobbey’s profile this summer.

“They’ve been frustrated with Watkins and the other options because they haven’t had that regular goalscorer, so they’re looking at a few options,” Brown said.

“Brian Brobbey is somebody they will have been looking at, because there’s always interested in players, strikers particularly, who are making a bit of a name for themselves.

“Sunderland did a fantastic job with their recruitment in the summer and it’s been a really strong season for them, and Brobbey has been very impressive.

“He looks a handful to play against. He’s strong, will back into defenders, battle them, fight them, run in behind, and he’ll score goals as well.

“So for a side like Aston Villa, that sort of centre-forward is going to be somebody who takes their fancy and I’m sure they’ll be keeping a close eye on him.”