Harry Diamond
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith wants to sign Brentford’s Romaine Sawyers and reunite with the midfielder at Villa Park.
Smith previously managed the 27-year-old during his spells in charge at Walsall and Brentford, and is keen to work with the Saint Kitts and Nevis international for a third time having taken Sawyers to Griffin Park in 2016.
The attacking midfielder’s contract has just 18 months left to run at Brentford, and Sky Sports are reporting Villa are ready to make their move as they look to strengthen their promotion challenge.
Midlands rivals West Bromich Albion, where Sawyers came through the academy without making a first-team appearance for the club, are also believed to be interested in bringing him back to The Hawthorns having registered their interest in the player last summer.
After a bright start to the season, Brentford have struggled since Smith’s departure for Villa Park and Sawyers may be tempted by a move to a a club with ambitions of promotion to the Premier League.