Aston Villa's task of signing Daniel Amartey from Leicester may just have come harder

Aston Villa’s task of signing Daniel Amartey from Leicester City this month may have become harder, as he has started in both of Claude Puel’s side’s last two matches.

Villa had been linked with a move for Amartey in the Telegraph, but it appears that the Ghanaian could still have a part to play at the King Power Stadium.

Amartey impressed for Leicester, with his performance last weekend, as he helped the Foxes pick up a 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The 23-year-old’s display against Fleetwood Town in the FA Cup was not as eye-catching, but he still played a role as the Foxes progressed to the next round.

And Villa may now find that Puel’s growing faith in Amartey means that they have to look at other targets.

Amartey had played just four Premier League matches prior to his appearances against Chelsea, but Puel may now see him as a valuable member of his squad, which could force Villa to look elsewhere.

Villa are having to look for loan signings rather than permanent additions this January, and it may just be that Leicester no longer feel that letting Amartey leave temporarily is of benefit to them.