Steve Bruce has come under fire in recent weeks following Aston Villa’s somewhat disappointing start to the 2018/19 Championship campaign. The west Midlands outfit began the restructuring of their squad over the summer, but could do with one further addition.

What’s the appeal?

Sheffield Wednesday forward Lucas João had scored just 15 Championship goals prior to this season during his three-year spell at Hillsborough, but has started the 2018/19 campaign off brightly, netting three times in his two starts for the Owls.

The 25-year-old, who started his career with Portuguese top flight outfit Nacional, has found form since Wednesday head coach Jos Luhukay took over in January this year, scoring ten goals in 24 matches under the reign of the Dutchman.

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The versatile forward, who was one of three goalscorers in Wednesday’s famous 3-0 League Cup victory over Arsenal in 2015, has made 83 first team appearances for Sheffield Wednesday since joining in July 2015.

With two first team appearances for Portugal, Aston Villa would be acquiring a top class forward with an eye for goal – something that their plethora of new signings are yet to show.

Do Aston Villa need him?

Despite Lucas João’s impressive current form, some members of the Claret and Blue Army may argue that their squad is strong enough without the Portuguese forward.

The summer signings of Anwar El-Ghazi, Yannick Bolasie and Tammy Abraham undoubtedly brought excitement back to Villa Park, but with the Villans currently sat in mid-table, the acquisition of João could propel them up the table.

Lucas João is under contract at Hillsborough until 2021, which could prevent Steve Bruce securing the signing for a low fee, but there is no doubt the in-form forward would make a strong addition to the Aston Villa squad, and undoubtedly give them the best attack in the whole of the Championship.