Steve Bruce has launched a double raid on Leicester City for Leonardo Ulloa and Daniel Amartey.

Bruce, the Aston Villa manager, wants to persuade the former Premier League champions to sanction loan deals as he moves to strengthen his promotion bid.

Villa are restricted by Financial Fair Play rules in January but have the budget to sign two players on loan for the remainder of the season, and the Leicester pair are top targets.

Ulloa, the striker, has had limited first-team opportunities under first Craig Shakespeare and then Claude Puel this season despite signing a new contract in the summer.

Leicester would prefer Villa to agree a deal which becomes permanent in the summer, while Ulloa could be guaranteed more game time at the King Power Stadium if Islam Slimani leaves this month.

Ghana international Amartey’s versatility appeals to Villa as he can play in defence, primarily at right-back, while he can also operate effectively in midfield. Amartey was signed by Claudio Ranieri in January 2016 for £5m from FC Copenhagen.