The Hull striker wants to move to Villa Park but the Tigers are holding firm.
Aston Villa made a official move for Hull City striker Abel Hernandez on Monday, offering £14 million up front in a deal which could rise to £17 million, and the forward wants to make the move, the Daily Mail report.
Villa have long been known to be in the hunt for another striker despite already spending £12 million on Ross McCormack this summer, and Hernandez has emerged as a prime target.
The Hull striker enjoyed a remarkably successful season last term as the Tigers won promotion back to the Premier League, scoring 22 times in 45 appearances in all competitions.
He has already netted in the top flight, in the 2-0 win over Swansea, and Villa have submitted an official offer, according to the Mail.
However, Mike Phelan is desperate to hold on to the Uruguay international, and the Mail claims that although Hernandez is keen on the move, Hull will want to secure a replacement for their star man before considering sanctioning a sale.
The report claims that the promoted club are planning for life without the 26-year-old, however, and have identified Bristol City’s Jonathan Kodjia as a leading candidate to replace him.
Kodjia was left out of City’s squad for the 3-1 win over Villa on Saturday amidst continuing speculation about his future.
Villa owner Tony Xia has suggested earlier this month that a new number nine remains their one big priority for the remainder of the transfer window.
They now have just over 48 hours to sign a target, and all signs appear to suggest that they will continue to gun for Hernandez and hope Hull fold.
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