Saint Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to reject a proposed move to Fiorentina in anticipation of a Premier League switch, according to reports from talkSPORT.

The Gabon international has been heavily linked with Aston Villa in recent months as a possible replacement for out-of-favour star Darren Bent.

Fiorentina are thought to have tabled a £7m bid, but Aubameyang is stalling in hope of an English side entering the chase for his signature.

His employers want to keep him beyond the January window, but with interest only likely to increase, it would appear likely that a significant offer will be accepted.

Aubameyang has made a stunning start to the Ligue 1 campaign, netting eight goals in 16 appearances to help his club into tenth position.

Capped 26 times for his home nation, the striker began his career with Serie A giants AC Milan.

After struggling to force his way into the first-team, he was loaned out to Lille, Monaco and Dijon before making a permanent move to Saint-Etienne.

If Villa are to sign Aubameyang in January, it’s likely they will look to sell Bent in order to free up space on their wage bill.

Fulham and QPR are believed to be interested in the prolific forward, but may be unwilling to match the asking price set by their Premier League rivals, which is thought to be around £20m.