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Lazio striker Libor Kozak has emerged as a surprise deadline day target for Villa.

The Czech Republic international could join if a deal can be struck for the 24-year-old before Monday’s 11pm deadline.

Manager Paul Lambert has identified Kozak as player he would like to bolster his squad and club officials are working to get a last-gasp deal done.

Kozak, who is 6ft 3ins tall, was the leading scorer in last season’s Europa League, but did not score a Serie A goal for Lazio.

Villa struck early to do most of their business in June and Kozak would be their seventh signing of a productive summer if an agreement can be reached.

Lambert and chief executive Paul Faulkner expect a fairly busy day attempting to recruit the striker and trying to move out four unwanted players.

Barry Bannan is the most likely of the out-of-favour quartet, also including Shay Given, Stephen Ireland and Alan Hutton, to head through the exit door.

The Scottish midfielder is wanted by Crystal Palace, whose boss Ian Holloway took Bannan on loan when he was in charge at Blackpool.

Villa are refusing to rule out the departures of Given, Ireland and Hutton, but the trio’s wage demands have so far put off any interested suitors.