Aston Villa keen on Rio Ave’s Mehdi Taremi as Dean Smith eyes second new striker

Sky Sports – ASTON, Aston Villa are keen on Rio Ave’s Mehdi Taremi as they look to sign a second striker in the January window after completing a deal for Mbwana Samatta.

The Iran international has scored six goals in 13 Portuguese top-flight games since a summer move from Al Gharafa, and he is said to be on Villa’s list of considerations.

Villa signed Samatta from Genk on a four-and-a-half-year contract on Monday evening and before the deal was completed, manager Dean Smith said the club was hoping to add one more.

“It’s something we’re talking about all the time,” Smith said. “Suso [Villa sporting director Jesus García Pitarch] believes the same as well, so it’s something we’re looking for and looking to press on with as well.”

Villa are also interested in signing Leicester striker Islam Slimani, who is currently on a season-long loan with Monaco, but a deal would be difficult to conclude.

Smith was speaking as Villa also confirmed striker Jonathan Kodjia’s departure to Taremi’s former club in Qatar Al Gharafa, who are managed by ex-Watford and Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic.