Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Premier League side West Bromwich Albion are set to battle it out for Oxford United winger Marvin Johnson, according to the Birmingham Mail.
Johnson, 26, signed for Oxford back in August 2016 from Scottish side Motherwell. The cost of the deal was undisclosed, however it is understood that Oxford paid a club-record fee. The winger has gone on to make 39 appearances for the League One side this season.
This is not the first time this season that Johnson has been linked with a move away from Oxford, with Derby County, Reading and Premier League side Stoke City also reportedly interested. However Aston Villa have now also joined the race for Johnson, joining rivals Birmingham and West Brom. It is believed that all three clubs have watched the winger several times.
[interaction id=”58c1d5da7e8066d7630d9c1f”]Johnson was born in Birmingham and played for Solihull Moors and Kidderminster Harriers along with shorter spells at other clubs before joining Motherwell in February 2015. It is understood that the winger had been in advanced talks with Yeovil Town before signing for the Scottish side.
Johnson scored 11 goals in 64 games at Motherwell and earned his move to League One with Oxford United. The winger has kept his good form going this season under Michael Appleton and looks set to move up another level this summer.
Making the move into professional football at a relatively old age of 24, Johnson may have a chance at signing for a Premier League club this summer should his good performances continue. However being born in Birmingham, the winger may prefer to sign for Birmingham City or Aston Villa.
