Aston Villa manager Dean Smith is eyeing a surprise move for Burnley striker Chris Wood this summer.

What's the story?

Villa were heavily reliant on last summer's signing Ollie Watkins to lead the line during the Premier League campaign, and to his credit, the former Brentford man rose to the occasion, scoring 16 goals in all competitions for his new club.

Football Insider claimed that the Clarets forward is being targeted as someone to add more firepower to Smith's side, adding that Villa "are one of three top-12 Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Wood."

Premier League proven

The 29-year-old has been described as a "natural goalscorer" in the past by former Leeds manager Garry Monk, whilst former Millwall teammate Scott Malone believes "he's frightening" to play against.

Since making the step up to the Premier League, the New Zealand international has been a very effective presence for the Clarets, with 47 goals in 136 top-flight games, leading Alan Shearer to rave about him.

The former Newcastle striker said: "I like him, I like what he does for the team and he is the focal point for them. He is very good at occupying two centre halves. He is a get out for Burnley if they want because they are not afraid to knock it long.

"He can keep hold of it and bring other players into the game. He is horrible to play against and he won't give defenders a moment's peace."

[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/aston-villa-dean-smith-transfer-window-premier-league-villa-park-emi-buendia-gregg-evans-gossip-rumours-update-news" title="Read the latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news!"]

The £7.2m-rated ace is the kind of Premier League-proven option who would offer Smith the chance to rotate with Watkins or even partner him next season.

Meanwhile, Dean Smith could sign Villa's new Dion Dublin in this star...