Leeds United and Newcastle United are both reportedly eyeing up a move for Aston Villa star Jonathan Kodjia.
It is set to be an anxious summer for the Villans, with their play-off final defeat leaving a large question mark over the club’s books and thus, putting plenty of doubt on several players’ futures.
The Express and Star reports that Kodjia is likely to be one player who is sold to raise funds. The £15 million signing – fee reported by BBC Sport – has enjoyed a prolific spell with Villa, but has endured a significant period of time on the sidelines due to injury.
The former Bristol City man has scored 20 Championship goals in 51 appearances for Steve Bruce’s side, and the Express and Star reports that Leeds and Newcastle are both considering moves for the 28-year-old as they each look to bolster their striker options.
It is not clear what Villa’s asking price for Kodjia currently is, but the Express and Star does add that he could cost less than the £16.5 million that the Magpies would need to pay to trigger fellow target Salomon Rondon’s release clause.
It would certainly be a statement if Leeds managed to get the forward through the door. Marcelo Bielsa desperately needs to strengthen his striker options this summer after such an underwhelming season last year where the Whites simply failed to fill the void that Chris Wood left behind.
Newcastle fans meanwhile, may have their reservations about a deal with Kodjia only established in England’s second tier. And given his struggles with injury over the last 12 months, he would surely be under pressure to hit the ground running if he ended up making the switch to St James’ Park instead of Elland Road.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
