Chance striker can recover from broken ankle for promotion push
JONATHAN Kodjia is targeting a ‘special season’ at Aston Villa as he continues to recover from a broken an- kle.
The hotshot is back in light training and could still return before the start of the season, despite fears he would be ruled out.
Boss Steve Bruce wants him back as soon as possible after relying heavily on his goals last term, however, he will not be rushing the Ivory Coast ace.
Kodjia, who is making good progress, said: “I look forward to getting over my injury and being involved again as soon as possible.
“All of us Villans want a good season next time. I think it could be a special season. I certainly hope so.”
Kodjia bagged 19 goals last term following his £14 million move from Bristol City.
Had it not been for injury and suspension towards the end of the campaign, he might well have reached the 20-goal barrier.
“I have been happy with my form Aston Villa,” he continued.
“I would have wanted the 20-goal milestone but I still feel it was a good season for me.
“I feel I contributed to the good of the team – that’s all that matters in team sport, that you give something to the collective.
“Every goal gives you good emotions, good feelings.”
Talk of him leaving Villa this summer has been played down by both Bruce and chief executive Keith Wyness.
Only a ‘colossal sum of money’ would tempt Villa to sell and even then it for would be difficult to prise Kodjia away. “This is a very nice football club – it has good history, good facilities, good spirit,” Kodjia said.
“I enjoy coming in every day. It’s a very easy relationship with the players, with the gaffer, with the coaches – I enjoy it here. It is a big club too.”
One player who seems certain to leave Villa this summer is Jordan Amavi, who confirmed he has been placed on the transfer list.
The French defender joined Villa in the summer of 2015 before their relegation from the Premier League.
Amavi made 34 appearances last season, but following Villa’s failure to win promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt, he now wants a move to meet his ambitions.
“We spoke with Aston Villa, I was up front with them, the club were in return,’’ he said.
“If I have to leave, there will be no problem. I have ambitions. I want to play in Europe, for a club that plays in all the competitions. I’ve been placed on the transfer list.”
The 23-year-old revealed clubs had come forward to discuss a potential move. Amavi is ideally seeking a switch to a Premier League team, though he’s open to the idea of moving abroad.
“There are clubs that have come to enquire and we’ve talked, even if there is nothing concrete yet,” he added.
“I love the Premier League, it is the league I like enough, but I am open to other countries.” Amavi, who cost Villa £9 million from Nice, has been linked with his former club, Liverpool, Marseille, Monaco and Atletico Madrid during his time in Birmingham.