Roberto Di Mattteo: We only want quality at Aston Villa
Roberto Di Mattteo has vowed Villa won't sign players just for the sake of it as they look to close out a deal for a striker.
Hull City's Abel Hernandez and West Ham's Enner Valencia are presently the two most likely players to join, with Villa having had a substantial offer for the latter rejected by the Hammers.
A number of alternative targets are also being assessed though Di Matteo, who has already signed seven new players during the transfer window, insists any new arrival must be a player who fits into his plan.
"A lot of names have been mentioned," he said. "There are a lot people trying to find strikers, attacking midfielders. I can't say who we are looking at but it is only going to be a player who I believe is functional to the team.
"You are as confident as you can be (about bringing someone in) but it is obviously never in your hands.
"We will try our best but, as I say, if it doesn't work out for the ones we think are going to be crucial to your team, sometimes it is better not to do it."
West Ham are refusing to sell Valencia until they have signed a replacement, though that may not be far away, with reports claiming Juventus striker Simone Zaza was due in London for talks ahead of a possible move.
Villa meanwhile visit Bristol City tomorrow looking to record their second win of the season and first away from home in more than 12 months.
Rudy Gestede (hamstring) and Aaron Tshibola (groin) have both been ruled out, though new signings Mile Jedinak and Ritchie De Laet are both in line to make their Villa debuts.
