Aston Villa target Moritz Bauer would be an exciting defensive addition

Add as preferred source on Google

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Stoke City defender Moritz Bauer.

According to Birmingham Live, the Midlands giants are keen on the 27-year-old Austrian and consider him a potential target in the remainder of the January transfer window.

It is understood that manager Dean Smith wants to bring in defensive reinforcements this month, which is no surprise given the club’s poor record at the back.

Alan Hutton is currently the first-choice right-back for Villa, but Bauer could be an upgrade on him if he hit the ground running amid a potential swoop.

Bauer has made just eight senior appearances this campaign for Stoke despite being one of their bright sparks in the Premier League.

Bauer certainly has the potential to be a real hit in English football and is a no-nonsense defender that is not afraid of a hard tackle.

The right-back previously enjoyed success with Russian club Rubin Kazan and there has been glimpses of real quality at Stoke.

He is a speed machine renowned for his blistering pace and he could provide a great attacking threat from the full-back area.

Smith is trying to implement a positive style of football at Villa and attack-minded defender Bauer could be the perfect solution in his starting XI.