Aston Villa battle local rivals in three-club race for Europa League striker – report

Sat 15 July 2017 10:10, UK

By Matt Bullin

Championship title contenders Aston Villa are one of three English clubs eyeing a summer swoop for Ostersund ace Jamie Hopcutt, according to a report.

HITC Sport claims Villa’s local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Premier League new boys Brighton and Hove Albion are also interested in the 25-year-old striker.

Hopcutt is said to have impressed all three clubs following a standout performance in his side’s surprise 2-0 win over Galatasary in the Europa League on Thursday.

The report states a number of English clubs are weighing up moves for the 25-year-old, and that he could be available for around £1.5million this summer.

Hopcutt joined the Swedish outfit in 2012, and he has since made 116 appearances across all competitions, which have yielded 39 goals.

If the Englishman did sign for Villa he would rival the likes of Jonathan Kodjia, Scott Hogan and Ross McCormack for a place in the starting XI.

Football Insider verdict

Hopcutt would be a low-risk signing for Villa given the price he is available for, but he is not the answer to their striking woes. Kodjia was the only striker to hit form for the Villans last term, and manager Steve Bruce will hope for more from him, and from the likes of Hogan and McCormack next season. However, Hopcutt failed to make the grade at non-league York City and Tadcaster Albion in the past, and playing in the Championship regularly would be a massive step up in class for him. Although he impressed in the Europa League against Galatasary, it is more likely it was a one-off performance, rather than a mark of his overall quality.