Bruce closing in on Aston Villa reunion with Hull’s Uruguayan ace

Aston Villa’s Championship revival continued with a hard-fought point at Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday night, and fans of the Birmingham club could be set for an extra boost – with boss Steve Bruce reportedly closing in on a deal for Hull City’s Abel Hernandez.

Former Tigers boss Bruce brought the Uruguayan hitman to English football in 2014, following five successful seasons at Palermo – and a star turn to lead Los Charruas to Copa America glory back in 2011.

Since his arrival on Humberside, the 26-year-old has continued to flourish, with his 20 goals in the Championship last season propelling City to promotion.

But the opportunity to reunite with his former gaffer and join an improving Villa side could prove tough to refuse – especially with Hull enduring problems on and off the field.

As for the men in claret and blue, regular goals have been the one thing lacking in their current revival, with defensive strength underpinning most of their recent good form.

Indeed, they’ve failed to score more than two goals in any game since the 3-0 defeat of Rotherham a full 14 games ago, and have already drawn a blank in four league games this season.

With Hernandez chalking up more than a goal every two games at this level, there’s little doubt he’d give Villa’s attacking play an extra dimension – especially having chalked up four assists last season.

Next up for the Villans is the visit of Cardiff City, with 10/11 for the hosts to taste victory. Meanwhile, the 15/2 for a third 2-1 win in six games also looks well priced, especially with the Bluebirds losing by that scoreline on their last away trip.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing