Wayne Veysey

Wed 31 January 2024 13:45, UK

Aston Villa have abandoned their plans to sign a new striker late in the window due to their concerns over breaching financial guidelines, sources have told Football Insider.

The Villans, like many clubs across the Premier League, have been very cautious of overspending this month and this has now halted plans to add depth to their frontline.

It comes following talks this month with multiple forward targets who could have slotted straight into the team.

Sources have told Football Insider that Villa boss Unai Emery and his coaching staff are now planning to use summer addition Nicolo Zaniolo as a back-up striker to Ollie Watkins for the remainder of the season.

The Italian has most often been deployed in wide areas this season, but Emery is confident that he can alsobe effective in a central position.

The Birmingham giants are under pressure to raise money before the end of June to stay in compliance with FFP and could sell midfield ace Jacob Ramsey, who is reportedly admired by Tottenham and Bayern Munich.

Villa have agreed a £15million move for Middlesbrough ace Morgan Rogers, as well as a deal for 19-year-old Arsenal left-back Lino Sousa, and both deals are set to be completed by the deadline.

The club have only sold one player permanently this month – Finn Azaz to Middlesbrough for £2.5million.

They could see an influx of cash at the end of the season if Napoli opt to activate Leander Dendoncker’s reported £7.7million obligation to buy after his loan to the Serie A title holders.

Aston Villa remain fourth in the Premier League table despite their 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday (30 January).

They are next in action against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday evening (3 February).

In other news, Sources: Talks scheduled for Aston Villa ace after multiple bids rejected.

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