Aston Villa join race to sign Bologna defender Filip Helander?

Bologna defender Filip Helander has reportedly emerged as a target for Aston Villa in January.

Villa have won nine and lost just three of their last 16 games in the Championship, but manager Steve Bruce is likely to be keen to reshape his squad at the start of 2018.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Bruce has taken an interest in Helander, who has spent the last two-and-a-half years of his career in Italy.

Helander has been a regular for Bologna this season, with 12 appearances being made in Serie A, while the 24-year-old has recently made his debut for Sweden and is in contention to go to next summer's World Cup.

However, Bruce is likely to have to sell players before he can contemplate a bid for Helander, with Villa still having to meet FFP regulations.

Leeds United have previously been keen on Helander, but a move failed to materialise during the summer transfer window.