Aston Villa are fighting a host of Championship rivals for the signature of Dijon striker Julio Tavares, according to HITC.

What's the word?

Steve Bruce is seeking further additions to his Aston Villa side before the loan market closes on August 31st as he seeks to bolster his ranks for a gruelling Championship campaign that lies ahead - and a fight could develop on the transfer front.

HITC claim Villa, Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City are all chasing Dijon striker Julio Tavares, with the Canaries currently ranked as the favourites to secure a deal for the 29-year-old Cape Verde international.

Tavares scored 11 times in Ligue 1 last season and has begun the new campaign in blistering form, finding the back of the net three times in two matches - a record that includes the brace he scored in a 2-0 win over Nantes at the weekend.

It's claimed that Villa had agreed on a fee with the French side on Deadline Day but did not have time to complete a deal, though Bruce hopes to agree to a loan in the next week that includes an option to buy at the end of the current campaign.

Should he be signed?

Villa need attacking reinforcements to bolster their push for a return to the Premier League and the experience of Tavares could prove to be decisive, especially with the superb form he has shown in the past 12 months.

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Established as Dijon's all-time record goalscorer with 67 goals since joining the club in 2012, Taveres looks ready for the next challenge and a move to England seems to be the logical next step - and Villa cannot afford to miss out to one of their rivals.

With HITC adding that the player is keen on a move across the English channel, Villa should certainly not let this opportunity pass them by.