This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Nottingham Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi looks like he is in pole position in the race to sign Aston Villa’s want-a-way striker Jonathan Kodjia according to reporter Ashley Preece in a Villa Fan Q&A reported in the Birmingham Mail.

When Preece was asked about whether or not Kodjia would be leaving the club this January he responded with: “Forest are leading the race to sign Kodjia who, according to Smith, is currently out with an illness. It’s clear Villa have a choice to make: cash in on Kodj or let him depart on a free in the summer. It will be the former, despite Villa’s current striker shortage.”

But if Kodjia moved to the City Ground, would he start over Lewis Grabban?

We discuss.........

Chris Gallagher

"Not a chance - but he is a good sub to have.

"Kodjia's form over the past 18 months to two years has been a real concern. He doesn't seem to have rediscovered his best form after a few serious injuries and that hunger also seems to be missing.

"However, he still has a lot of quality at this level and Lamouchi could be the man to help him get back on track but it would be a big ask to dislodge Grabban. The Reds striker has proven himself to be one of the most reliable goalscorers in the Championship over the past few years and the reality is that Forest are not going to get a player better than him right now.

"They need a good backup though and Kodjia would fit the bill."

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Kris Smith

“I think Kodjia would be a great signing for Forest but I don’t think that he would start over Grabban purely on the Forest man’s form alone at the minute.

“Grabban has netted 14 times so far this season and is yet to miss a league game for Sabri Lamouchi’s side, showing how important he is to the system.

“The problem with Grabban lies in the fact that there is no direct competition for his place and at 32-years-old, there might be doubts over him continuing his form, so a move for Kodjia would be very healthy for the squad.

“The Aston Villa man can also play on the right-wing so there is definitely room for him to play regularly at the City Ground, especially in the run-in where each club’s squad will be stretched to the limit.

George Brooks

"I think Jonathan Kodjia would be a great signing for Nottingham Forest, but I can't see him starting that many matches for the Reds ahead of Lewis Grabban if I'm honest.

"He's got plenty of experience in the Championship and has proven in the past that he can score goals at this level, but Grabban has been excellent for Forest this season and is one of the best strikers in the division.

"Kodjia might start the odd game here or there up front and should easily be able to provide better competition for Forest's top scorer than Rafa Mir did during his loan spell at the City Ground, but generally, I would expect Grabban to keep his place in the starting XI.

"However, Kodjia can also be used on the left of a 4-2-3-1, meaning that he can start in the same team as Grabban and this would make him a very useful signing."