Nottingham Forest have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Eddie Nketiah.
According to The Telegraph , Aston Villa have dropped out of the race to sign the Arsenal striker.
It is said that Villa head coach Dean Smith wants to recruit more experienced forwards to aid his side's relegation battle and that has ruled out a move for Nketiah.
Forest are reportedly interested in the 20-year-old, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Leeds United.
He returned to the Emirates Stadium earlier this month after failing to dislodge Patrick Bamford up front.
Nketiah started just two Championship games for Leeds, coming on as a substitute 15 times and scoring twice.
Bristol City hold an interest in Nketiah, according to BristolLive , while Sheffield Wednesday are also keen.
Forest have also been linked with move s for Newcastle United's Dwight Gayle and Glenn Murray of Brighton and Hove Albion.
