According to reports in the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa have joined Championship rivals Derby County and Birmingham City in the race to sign Oxford United winger Marvin Johnson.

What’s the story, then?

Well, only on Thursday, Derby were linked with a move for the 26-year-old by the Daily Mail, but it appears that they aren’t the only club interested in the in-form wide man.

Villa, their arch-rivals Birmingham, and Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion are all said to be keeping a close eye on the Midlands-born player too.

He must be doing well?

Correct.

Ever since moving to the Kassam Stadium for a club-record fee from Scottish outfit Motherwell on the final day of last summer’s transfer window, Johnson has been impressing for Oxford.

He has scored five goals in 38 appearances in all competitions for the U’s this term, helping them to reach the final of the EFL Trophy in the process, while also providing nine assists.

So, what would he bring to Villa?

An attacking threat on the left wing.

While Albert Adomah has been a regular starter on the right-hand side for Villa this season, it has been a far more changeable situation on the opposite flank.

Jordan Ayew tended to play there before his departure to Swansea in January, and left-back Jordan Amavi even had to fill in there against Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night following an injury crisis for Steve Bruce’s men.