Bournemouth's David Brooks could become of interest to Aston Villa this summer as Emile Smith Rowe continues to remain out of sight, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Villa have earmarked Smith Rowe as a key target; however, Arsenal have rejected two of their bids for the player in this transfer window.

Smith Rowe now looks almost certain to stay at the Emirates, with reports suggesting that he is close to signing a new contract.

It means Villa will now have to consider alternative options, and Hatfield believes Brooks could be one of them.

"Someone like David Brooks maybe could be of interest," the Aston Villa journalist told FFC when asked about contingency plans. "He's a player who probably fits the mould."

Brooks has been linked with Villa in the past. According to talkSPORT, the 24-year-old was a target for the Midlands club back in January, so perhaps they could follow up on that interest now.

In the 2018/19 Premier League season when he was fully fit, Brooks scored seven goals and provided five assists for Bournemouth, decent numbers for a youngster playing in the top flight for the first time.

The Wales international is also capable of playing on the right, in the No.10 role and as a second striker, so he could be a very useful attacking option for Villa to have.