According to The Athletic's Gregg Evans, Aston Villa won't be pursuing a move for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard in the January transfer window.

Johan Lange won't pay up

Reports over the summer suggested that the Frenchman was a potential target for Dean Smith's side, with Celtic boss Neil Lennon admitting that he was hopeful he would stay at Parkhead.

In the end, Edouard stayed put, and Evans now claims that Villa won't be reigniting their interest in the centre-forward when the January transfer window opens in just over a week's time.

Although it's claimed that Villa will look to be proactive, they "are not expected to spend the sort of money that would be required to sign" Edouard, and that's a major mistake from Johan Lange.

Smith must be fuming

Given the incredible start Villa have enjoyed to the Premier League season, Smith will surely feel he's done more than enough to see the club's owners and sporting director to release some of the club's transfer warchest.

The Midlands club currently find themselves in ninth place, but were they to win both their games in hand on those sides above them in the table, would be just three points off leaders Liverpool.

Ollie Watkins has proven to be a masterstroke of a signing since his arrival from Brentford, bagging eight goals in 15 games. And whilst the Englishman has led the line superbly, bringing in Edouard in January would strengthen Villa's firepower up top no end.

He's fired in nine goals in 19 matches for Celtic, and the man described as a "special talent" would significantly boost Villa's chances of breaking up the Premier League's big six and finishing in a European place this season.

If it comes to the end of the season, and Villa miss out because they didn't strengthen up front, then Smith would understandably be furious with those in charge at the club.

Meanwhile, Villa must desperately sell this £40k-p/w flop, Dean Smith has "seen enough".