Aston Villa are the latest club to be linked with a loan move for Chuba Akpom.

The 21-year-old forward has only just returned to action following a back injury. However, it’s widely thought that Akpom will be one of the players to leave us this month on loan.

Previously, Cardiff City, Brentford and Fulham have all been linked with the England youth international and now Villa can reportedly be added to that list as Steve Bruce looks to strengthen his squad.

Bruce and Akpom worked together when the youngster was on loan at Hull, so the coach is clearly aware of the striker’s attributes and, therefore, if he has space in his squad, he knows where Akpom will fit.

After a promising pre-season, I was excited to see whether Akpom would move up into the first team more often, like his buddy Alex Iwobi, but after his back injury, this isn’t looking likely and a loan move might be the most sensible option.

He managed to score three goals and assist one in Premier League 2 in just four appearances earlier in the season, so the talent is definitely there, we just need to get his fitness up to scratch.