Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has spoken about the future of Nottingham Forest target Jonathan Kodjia.
The Reds are eager to strengthen their attacking ranks during the January transfer window, and Kodjia is understood to be one of those strikers on their shortlist.
The 30-year-old has struggled for regular game time in the Premier League this season, while his contract at Villa Park is due to run out in the summer.
He has made nine appearances in all competitions so far this term, with his only two goals coming in a Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool in December.
He last featured against Fulham in the FA Cup, at the start of this month, and Smith says he will not be part of the matchday squad for his team’s trip to Brighton on Saturday.
Asked if there had been any developments on Kodjia’s future, during his pre-match press conference, the Villa manager told BirminghamLive: "No. Everyone knows Jonathan's out of contract at the end of the season.
“At his age, he's allowed to talk to clubs at the moment.
“He hasn't trained with us this week and won't be involved on Saturday."
The front man was linked with Qatari side Al-Gharafa and Turkish outfit Besiktas earlier in the campaign, while it was reported back in December that Cardiff City were among a number of clubs eyeing up a move.
And when the interest from the Reds emerged, it was said French outfit Amiens were also keeping tabs on his situation.
