FULHAM want to bring Ross McCormack back home from Aston Villa in a cheeky loan deal.

The Scottish striker was a hero at Craven Cottage before he was sold to Villa in a £12million transfer in the summer.

6 Fulham want Ross McCormack to move back to Craven Cottage on loan Credit: PA:Press Association

But now Steve Bruce will let him go although he is holding out for a full-time move if possible to fund a new bid for Middlesbrough's Jordan Rhodes.

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Fulham may come up with a cash offer this week although they would prefer a short-term solution because of the size of the wages.

Bruce is also trying to move out Jordan Ayew, but the Ghanaian forward is only interested if it is to the Premier League.

6 McCormack has struggled for form since moving to Villa in the summer Credit: PA:Press Association

6 Steve Bruce may be reluctant to part with McCormack in January having lost forwards Jordan Ayew and Jonathan Kodjia to the Africa Cup of Nations Credit: PA:Press Association

6 McCormack has netted just three goals in 22 appearances for Villa Credit: Getty Images

6 Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic wants to bring McCormack back to Craven Cottage Credit: Reuters

Villa made Sam Johnstone their first signing of the window by bringing in the keeper on loan from Manchester United.

And Bruce began his midfield revamp today by clinching a £3m deal to bring in Henri Lansbury from Nottingham Forest.

Lansbury said: “As soon as I knew Aston Villa were interested, I wanted to come here.

“It’s the size and reputation of the football club that attracted me.

“It’s a big, big name in the English game and I can’t wait to get started here now.

“Villa are getting a passionate player. I’m someone who wants to score goals, get in the box, to tackle and do everything really.

“Even if I lose in training, someone’s getting kicked, pushed or something’s getting thrown. It’s the mentality I have. If you’re willing to lose, what’s the point in playing.”