According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Stoke City and Aston Villa are on the hunt for James Justin. The 20-year-old has been in fine form for Luton Town and was a target for Nottingham Forest before the Reds saw their interest rebuffed. Villa could be the next club to try their hand at signing Justin, but Luton are ‘reluctant to lose him’.
The versatile fullback has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Town this season, scoring four goals. Justin is regarded as one of the best Football League fullbacks and Villa reportedly believe the England u20 international could make the step up to the Championship and Premier League in the future.
Dean Smith might not look to sign the right-back this month, however, as he’s currently overstocked in that position. Villa have James Bree, Alan Hutton and Ahmed Elmohamady who can operate in Justin’s role, so it’s hard to see the Claret and Blues going all out for his signature with just days remaining of the January transfer window.
Villa have a fervent need for a left-back, as Hutton has been forced to operate in the makeshift role when Neil Taylor isn’t available. A centre-back and central midfielder are also on Smith’s shortlist, but time is running out for the Villans to strengthen the squad.
