Aston Villa want to sign former Chelsea striker Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig in January.

The German spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge, scoring just 23 goals in 89 appearances, before returning to the Bundesliga club he had initially left in 2020.

But that has not put Unai Emery off making a move to bring him back to England, according to Football Insider.

Werner, 27, has struggled for playing time at Leipzig so far this season, scoring two goals in 14 appearances having started only four games. 

And Villa are keen on a mid-season signing who can deputise for star striker Ollie Watkins as they chase glory in the Premier League and Europa Conference League.

The report also states the Villans will aim to land a big-name striker next summer. 

Financial Fair Play concerns will have reportedly eased by then, allowing them to flex their muscles in the transfer market.

Villa currently sit third in the league having missed the chance to go top in Friday's 1-1 draw with Sheffield United at Villa Park.

They have also progressed to the knockout phase of the Europa Conference League.

In other news

Manchester United are weighing up a move for Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri, report The Sun.

Football.London claim Arsenal want to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi but the player is reluctant to move next month. 

Inter Milan are targeting Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley, according to Sky Sports, with Aston Villa and West Ham also keen.