According to the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa remain slightly hopeful they can secure the service of Leonardo Ulloa on-loan this week, although their chance of agreeing a deal with Leicester City is rapidly fading.  

Steve Bruce wants to add a striker to his Villa squad before the close of the transfer window, and has identified Ulloa as a target, with the Sky Bet Championship outfit hopeful of agreeing a loan deal with Leicester.

However, those plans have been thrown into jeopardy, with Brighton and Hove Albion also looking to re-sign Ulloa, with the Seagulls willing to offer the 31-year-old a permanent route out of the King Power Stadium, which Leicester are in-favour of.

Villa are desperately searching for striking reinforcements this season, after Bruce lost last season’s 19-goal striker, Jonathan Kodjia, for what looks like the remainder of the Championship season.

Ulloa, who previously flourished in the Championship with Brighton, before going on to win the Premier League with Leicester, was one of Bruce’s targets, but with the news that a move is becoming unlikely, Villa appear to be turning to different targets.

Reports elsewhere are linking Villa with a move for Ipswich Town’s David McGoldrick.

The Verdict  

Missing out on Ulloa, an experienced striker, is undoubtedly a blow for Villa, who have been left frustrated in their search for striking reinforcements.

Bruce’s side need another outlet in attack to supporter Keinan Davis and Scott Hogan, and Ulloa would’ve been perfect.

However, with a move slipping away, Villa need to turn to other targets quickly.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!