Exclusive: Leeds ready move to sign Aston Villa player
EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke
Leeds United are readying a move for Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia as an alternative to top target Matej Vydra, Football Insider sources understands.
Leeds are trying to sign Vydra from Derby and make him their marquee signing of the summer, but the move has been dragging on for several weeks now.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Leeds have drawn up a shortlist of other targets should they fail to land Vydra and Kodjia figures highly on their wanted list.
The forward's future at Villa looks uncertain with the club maybe being forced to listen to offers for their best players as a result of their financial problems.
A number of clubs are monitoring Kodjia's situation in case Villa are forced to cash-in on players this summer and Leeds are admirers of the Ivory Coast international.
Kodjia has endured a difficult last 12 months after suffering two serious ankle injuries which forced him to undergo surgery.
The 28-year-old first went under the knife last May and he worked his way back to fitness in September only to suffer another ankle injury in November which required surgery.
Kodjia only made four appearances for Villa last season, but in his debut season in 2016/17 he scored 19 goals in 36 games and he is regarded as one of the best strikers in the Championship after impressing at Bristol City prior to his move to Villa.