Villa set to make Barnes bid

Aston Villa have switched their attention from Jordan Rhodes to Burnley striker Ashley Barnes.

According to a report in The Sun Steve Bruce has grown tired of negotiations with Middlesbrough and has decided to move for Barnes.

The 27-year-old has only started six Premier League matches this season but has returned an impressive three goals from those six starts and six substitute appearances.

Various offers have been made to Middlesbrough to bring Championship specialist Rhodes to Villa Park without any satisfaction.

Barnes would jump at the chance to move to Villa and the chance of regular football after growing frustrated at the lack of opportunities he’s had at Turf Moor.

After back-to-back defeats in the Championship Bruce knows that time is running out for his side’s play-off prospects and that new firepower is needed if they are to stand any chance of returning to the Premier League at the first opportunity.