According to reports in the Birmingham Mail, via a story in the Sunday Mirror, Aston Villa are said to be targeting a summer move for Burnley midfielder George Boyd.

Villa’s draw against Burton Albion over the weekend ended the faint hopes they had of making the Championship play-off places following a disappointing campaign, and manager Steve Bruce can now start to make plans for next season in England’s second tier.

After spending more than £50m last summer and it failing to coincide with a promotion push, the Midlands club will likely be even more selective when it comes to their additions, with three of their big-money buys last summer being shipped out on loan during the January transfer window.

Boyd is understood to have rejected the new one-year deal he has been offered by the Clarets, and he would be available on a free if he did make his way out of Turf Moor this summer.

Here are THREE reasons Villa must make signing the 31-year-old a priority this summer…

He would solve their left-sided issue

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With Jordan Ayew and Ross McCormack both leaving Villa during the January transfer window, Steve Bruce has been short of options on the left-hand side of his attacking midfield three in recent weeks.

Left-back Jordan Amavi has filled in there, but Bruce will want a more natural fit there for the club’s promotion push next term and Boyd could be the man to fill the void.

Able to play on either wing, the left-footed player could prove to be a versatile addition who can bring quality in wide areas.

He knows Bruce well

While he was manager of Hull City, Bruce signed Boyd on loan in February 2013 to aid his side’s push for promotion to the Premier League.

It was a deal that paid off as the midfielder scored four goals in 13 Championship appearances to help the Tigers finish as runners-up, and he signed a permanent deal at the KCOM Stadium that summer.

Bruce knows all about the qualities he has as a player, and that could be key to him making a quick impression if he was to move to Villa Park.

He’s starred at Championship level

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While he is currently a regular in the Premier League, Boyd has proven time and time again that he is a consistent performer at Championship level, whether it comes to scoring goals or creating chances for his teammates.

With an abundance of experience playing in England’s second tier for the likes of Hull City, Peterborough United and Burnley over the years, the 31-year-old knows what it takes to get out of the division and that is something that could prove to be priceless as Villa look to finish in the top two next season.

Do you agree, Villa fans? Let us know below.