Norwich and Villa plot move for Championship goal machine

Aston Villa and Norwich have been put on red alert after it emerged Fulham star striker Ross McCormack has a £12m buy-out clause in his contract, reports The Daily Telegraph.

McCormack, 29, only signed a new four-year deal in February but is now expected to be a target for a number of clubs looking to get promoted from the Championship next season.

Middlesbrough failed with a £9m bid for the Englishman in January but having already sealed promotion they aren’t expected to renew any interest in the summer.

Instead, Aston Villa, who will be playing in the Championship next season after being relegated from the Premier League, are interested in acquiring the services of a regular goalscorer to help ensure they are only in the second-tier for one season.

Villa may have to fend off interest from Norwich, who are favourites to join Villa in the Championship from the Premier League for next season.

No player has scored more goals in the Championship since August 2013 than McCormack (66).

For more stats on Ross McCormack, click here to visit his WhoScored player page