A new forward is top of Villans boss Steve Bruce’s transfer wish list after losing last season’s top scorer Jonathan Kodjia for the rest of the campaign. 

Bruce has identified target man Ulloa, 31, as the ideal replacement and hopes to land him on loan.

Ulloa could now be allowed to leave the King Power Stadium after Leicester captured forward Fousseni Diabate from Gazelec Ajaccio.

And SkyBet price a move to the Championship club at 4/6.

Villa are reportedly hoping to land Ulloa’s team-mate Daniel Amartey in a double loan deal but Bruce was reticent about the speculation last week. 

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"I think I would love to give you names, but it would be brutally unfair of me to do it," he said.

"I know everybody likes to listen to the transfer stuff and this, that and the other.

"It would be unwise of me to speak about players at other clubs. We are particularly close to one - not particularly those two who you’ve named.

"Until we’ve got them over the line, out of respect for the clubs we’re talking to I can’t really reveal it.

"I’ve seen lists and lists and lists. We’ll do one or two, that’s what we’ll do. We are getting people back from injury. Of course Kodjia is the big one we’re missing so let’s see what we can do."

Ulloa has also been linked with a loan move to Leeds, who are desperate to strengthen their front line.

SkyBet price a move to Elland Road before February 3 at 13/2.

Ulloa joining Sunderland is a 12/1 shot while Getafe are 16/1 to secure his signature.