Aston Villa have now leapfrogged a Premier League rival in the race to sign a replacement for Harvey Elliott, according to a report this afternoon.
Aston Villa prepare for active January window
As recently confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, the title-chasing Villans are looking to back Unai Emery next month and are working on potential January additions behind-the-scenes.
"Yes, they will," Romano said when asked if Villa will support Emery with recruitment in January.
"There’s full trust in Emery and with Olabe and Vidagany at management level, they will work all together on the market."
Villa suddenly find themselves slap bang in the middle of a race for the Premier League crown after making a statement by beating frontrunners Arsenal earlier this month.
Emiliano Buendia's 95th-minute winner sent Villa Park into raptures, with Emery's side passing every single test thrown their way since then, including a 2-1 win over Man United over the weekend.
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Their torrid start to 2025/2026, when Villa took five games to even score their first goal of the season, feels like a distant memory, and they have every reason to be overwhelmingly positive heading into Christmas.
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The Villans could be more active next month.
The club's incredible 10-game winning run across all competitions makes them the most in-form team in England right now, not to mention one of Europe's sides to beat at the moment.
Villa's summer transfer window was marred by PSR roadblocks, with NSWE spending the least cash out of any Premier League side.
Now, reports suggest they could invest more next month instead, having already reached a pre-agreement to sign Brazilian sensation Alysson from Gremio.
After successfully negotiating that deal, it is believed Villa have their eyes on Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson.
Aston Villa eye Crystal Palace hijack by opening talks with Brennan Johnson
According to TEAMtalk today, Aston Villa have made contact with Johnson's representatives over a potential January transfer, threatening to hijack Crystal Palace's move for the Tottenham forward.
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The 24-year-old has fallen out of favour under Thomas Frank this season, starting just six Premier League matches despite scoring 18 goals across all competitions last term, including the Europa League final winner against Man United.
Palace appeared frontrunners for Johnson's signature with manager Oliver Glasner confident of agreeing personal terms as the Eagles looked to bolster their attack.
Staying in London was viewed as attractive for the forward too, who seeks regular minutes ahead of Wales' World Cup qualification play-offs.
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Sources suggested a fee between £30m-£40m could be enough, with Tottenham open to either a permanent sale or loan deal.
However, Villa's recent intervention has complicated Palace's plans, and they could now 'hijack' the move.
Emery has identified Johnson as the ideal addition to provide pace and versatility to his frontline, with the winger potentially replacing Elliot, whose loan from Liverpool is likely to be terminated in January after failing to earn the manager's trust.
Tottenham remain willing to consider offers for Johnson, who cost £47.5m from Nottingham Forest in 2023, though Frank would prefer retaining him for squad depth.
West Ham have also expressed interest in the Welshman, but Villa's title ambitions and financial resources could prove decisive in securing his services ahead of their London rivals.
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