Aston Villa hoping to seal deadline day swoop for Tammy Abraham

The 20-year-old has been manager Steve Bruce's top forward target for much of the summer and Villa are now hopeful of completing a loan swoop prior to Friday's 5pm deadline.

It is thought Abraham, who spent last season on loan at Swansea in the Premier League, would initially join until January.

Speaking on Friday morning, Bruce confirmed Villa were "down the line" in a move for a striker.

A swoop for French defender Harould Moukoudi now appears unlikely, however, with Bruce admitting the 20-year-old is likely to stay at Le Havre.

Moukoudi held face-to-face talks with Bruce on Thursday at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground.

"If I was a betting man I think Moukoudi will stay in France," said Bruce. "He’s still young and the likelihood is that he will stay in France."

Tommy Elphick will, meanwhile, heads the list of Villa's deadline day departures. The 30-year-old is expected to join Championship rivals Hull on a season-long loan.