Aston Villa are being linked with Manchester United striker James Wilson.

The Daily Express says Villa boss Steve Bruce needs to pick up a striker in the mid-season sales but has next to nothing to spend.

Jonathan Kodjia is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines while Scott Hogan - before his stomach operation - wasn't exactly firing on all cylinders.

Wilson has returned to fitness, scoring three goals in seven appearances for United's reserve team.

He turned down loan offers on deadline day in August and is targeting a January switch.

“I think it's certainly a possibility [a loan move away from United]," he said in October.

“We'll just have to talk and have a few conversations with the manager and certain people around here.

“I'm not ruling it out but we'll come to an agreement over what needs to be done."

Reading are interested but Bruce could surely use his Old Trafford contacts to beat the Royals to a deal.