Villa set to lose striker target to record-breaking Premier League bid – report

By Joe Nelson

Hull City look set to beat Aston Villa to the signing of Bristol City striker Jonathan Kodjia, according to a report.

The Telegraph claim that the Premier League outfit are set to make the 26-year-old their club record signing, in a deal worth £14million.

Hull City's fledgling squad is down to just 13 senior players at the moment and the arrival of another striker to aid Uruguayan Abel Hernandez is seen as essential for their Premier League survival.

The Tigers are now firm favourites to sign the Ivory Coast international, who has also been pursued by Derby County and Villa.

Kodjia was left out of Bristol City's 3-1 win over Villa on Saturday and the club are prepared to lose him in the next few days.

Hull's current transfer record stands at £10million, the fee they paid for Hernandez in his move from Italian side Palermo in 2014.

It is believed that the £14million transfer will consist of an initial £10million, with an additional £4million in add-ons.

Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson said after Saturday's win over Villa: ‎"We have received multiple bids over the summer and it was totally my decision to leave him out.

"There has been a lot of speculation about Jonathan. I've been there before when bids have come in for players and it can be an emotional time.

"At this moment in time nothing has matched our valuation. It will take a lot of money to get one of our players out of this club and we are calling the shots."

Kodjia hit an impressive 15 league goals for City last season and now looks primed to leave Ashton Gate after just one year in the South West following his move from Angers.

In other Aston Villa transfer news, the Villians submit £20million bid for Premier League striker.