Smith needs to bolster this area after losing Brazilian forward Wesley for the rest of the season with a knee injury sustained at Burnley on New Year’s Day.

Samatta who scored against Liverpool in this season’s champions league group stages, has emerged as a Villa target.

The 27 year old Tanzanian international requires a work permit so he will not be available in time for Villa’s visit to Brighton on Saturday.

Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia appears set for a move to Qatar after Al Gharafa claimed the striker was scheduled to arrive for a medical.

The 30 year old Ivory coast international, out of contract at the end of the season, has made just nine appearances in the current campaign, with his only two goals coming against an under-strength Liverpool side in December’s Carabao Cup quarter final.

Aston villa, 18th in the Premier League after 22 matches, have also been linked with 31 year old Leicester City striker Islam Slimani.

The Algeria international is currently on loan at Monaco and Smith said the club may have to take some gambles this month.

“January is even harder without recognized 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,” said Smith.