One-time reported Alfredo Morelos suitors, Premier League Aston Villa, are reportedly on the verge of signing Genk striker Mbwana Samatta, all but effectively ending any January interest in the Rangers striker.
Reports are suggesting that Villa are hoping to make the Tanzanian forward a £10m signing after a knee injury to £22m summer signing Wesley on New Year’s Day ruled him out for the season.
According to BBC Sport, any deal for the 27-year-old striker will also come as Villians forward Jonathon Kodija is scheduled for a medical with Al Gharafa.
Aston Villa have been routinely linked to Colombian international Morelos over the season [Football Insider] with reports intensifying after comments from Villa boss Dean Smith.
Smith told the press to “watch this space” [Scottish Sun] when asked about any reported moves for a striker in the January window.
Reports linking Morelos to Villa intensified further when Smith praised the striker in the aftermath of his goal against FC Porto in the 2-0 win at Ibrox in November.
“I certainly saw his goal last night,” Smith said, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail.
“It was a very good finish.
“He’s a player who is contracted to another football club and we aren’t a club that talks about them.”
Those comments suggested an interest in Morelos but given the growing reports around a move for Mbwana Samatta, it would suggest a move for the Colombian is now off the cards.
Outgoing Rangers chairman Dave King admitted he’d be hesitant to sell Morelos – even for £40m [Scottish Sun] – given his importance to Rangers’ title run-in.
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