Aston Villa eye loan swoop for West Ham winger Robert Snodgrass

Boss Steve Bruce is a big fan of the 29-year-old Scot, who has been told he can leave the Hammers just eight months after joining in a £10.2million switch from Hull.

Villa’s need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations would rule out a permanent move but a season-long loan deal remains a possibility.

Sunderland are also interested in Snodgrass but have similar issues over the potential cost.

Black Cats boss Simon Grayson, who managed Snodgrass while at Leeds, said on Friday: “When people like him become available you would be foolish not to consider it.

“That would be a deal dictated by finances. Can we do it? Who knows, but we might ask the question.”

Snodgrass, who Bruce signed for £6million when in charge at Hull in 2014, has started just eight games for West Ham and was left out of their squad for last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at Manchester United.

He joined in January after netting seven goals in 20 matches for Hull during the first half of last season but has failed to score for the Hammers.

Bruce’s most pressing concern is bringing in reinforcements up front and the manager yesterday confirmed his interest in taking Southampton striker Sam Gallagher – also a target for Wolves – on loan.

But the boss rubbished reports linking Villa with Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback, while a move for Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere has also been ruled out.