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Bristol City are planning to make Scott Hogan a transfer target in the summer, according to Bristol Live, as they look to bring the Aston Villa man to Ashton Gate. However, despite a torrid spell in the Midlands, the club should hold on to him.

What's the word?

Bristol Live are claiming that the Robins have plans to reshuffle their playing squad next season regardless of promotion, and as a result are targetting Villa's Hogan.

Bristol City tried to bring in a striker during the January transfer window, according to the same source, but the clubs they were talking to wouldn't sell.

The striker has struggled throughout his career with injury and having scored just seven league goals for the Villans after arriving in 2017, was shipped out on loan to Sheffield United in January.

He has shown a few signs in Yorkshire of why Villa paid what could rise to £12m for him two years ago, but given their settled side hasn't had too many chances to make an impact.

Proven goalscorer

Hogan's reputation at Villa may not be the best, but considering Tammy Abraham may leave after his loan spell and with the likes of Jonathan Kodjia having his own struggles, he has to be kept hold of.

That's regardless of whether Villa get promoted too. If he was to go alongside Abraham you would have to wonder where the goals are going to come from.

Hogan is a proven goalscorer. He bagged 14 in 25 in the 2016/17 season for Brentford before making his big money move and that shows the devastating impact he can have in the Championship.

On paper, the 26-year-old should be one of Villa's best strikers. Although time may be running out for the forward and a change of scenery could do him some good, he's a player the club have to continue to place faith in.

This is especially the case if Dean Smith's men fail to get promoted. Hogan has worked under him before of course, and it's now time for the Villa manager to put faith in a player who has played so well under him in the past.