Aston Villa poised to sign Genk striker Mbwana Samatta

The Genk striker trained in Belgium this morning, and whilst a deal has yet to be rubber stamped the Samatta is set to link up with Dean Smith's side in a deal worth a reported £8.5m.

The Tanzania international has emerged as Villa's number one target this month.

The 27-year-old has netted ten timed this season, including three goals in the Champions League, and is capable of playing up front or on the right flank.

Villa are in need of reinforcements up-front following the season-ending injury sustained by club-record signing Wesley during the win over Burnley.

However, it's thought that due to Samatta needing a work permit, that he's not likely to be available for Villa's clash with Brighton this weekend.

Should that be the case, Villa could once again be without a recognised senior striker for the clash at the Amex Stadium, with Anwar El-Ghazi filling in up front during the games against Leicester and Manchester City.

With Keinan Davis struggling with injury and Jonathan Kodjia set to miss another game having not trained this week, it's likely that youngster Indiana Vassilev will represent the only striking option in the squad.

Villa could still bolster further in attacking areas following the deal, should it go through - with Dean Smith keen on adding Premier League experience to his side, who sit 18th in the Premier League table.

The club continue to be linked with a move for ex-Villa striker Christian Benteke, with current club Crystal Palace signing Cenk Tosun on-loan earlier in the window, potentially opening the door for the Belgian's exit.

Boss Dean Smith has also been linked with Leicester striker Islam Slimani, currently on loan at Monaco, and admitted the club may have to gamble this month.

He said: "January is even harder without recognised strikers as clubs can stick prices up a bit, it always has been a tough window and we have to take a couple of risks.

"I'm calm and confident we will get players but we have big games and, if we don't get one in by Saturday, it'll be the third in row without a recognised striker.

"We have to make sure we do the best we can without and hope we can get one through.

"There is a necessity there. With Wesley getting injured and Keinan being out we have to strengthen massively so we are looking for a couple."