"?Aston Villa are plotting a £4m January bid for Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Alex Smithies, according to "?reports.
The 26-year-old keeper is apparently top of Steve Bruce's January shopping list after the former Hull City boss admitted he wanted to sign a permanent first-choice shot-stopper.
Smithies has been in superb form for QPR this season, earning plaudits for his stunning reflexes and ability to command his defence.
As a result, Bruce is eager to strike and sign the ex-Huddersfield goalkeeper as he attempts to mount a challenge for this season's play-offs.
Aston Villa to make £4m move for QPR keeper Alex Smithies https://t.co/FIgFn4eyD8 pic.twitter.com/0yGUoctiHg
QPR will reportedly demand at least £4m, with Villa hoping to afford him by selling Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew, who is the subject of interest from the lucrative Chinese Super League as well as former club Marseille.
Steve Bruce's side are currently 13th in the Championship, six points behind sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday and 18 points behind league-leaders Newcastle.