Czech international may be finalizing details with Aston Villa

The transfer of Libor Kozak from Lazio to Aston Villa may be closer than sketchy Italian reports had led us to believe, says Mat Kendrick:

Only a matter of time before Libor Kozak is unveiled as an #avfc player, I think. Just finalising the finer details at the Heath of Bodymoor

— Mat Kendrick (@MatKendrick) September 2, 2013

If true, the move marks a serious departure from Paul Lambert's standard transfer strategy, as the Czech international is a bit older than normal and doesn't fit the typical mold of a Lambert player. That said, Kozak was the leading goal-scorer in the Europa League last year, so he's shown a knack for finding the back of the net.

Reportedly, however, the move hinges on Lazio bringing in another player. They've been looking at Burak Yilmaz from Galatasaray, and things appear to be close on that front. But, if you want something to obsess over on a relatively quiet transfer deadline day, add those terms to your twitter searches.

This move really perplexes me, to be honest. Kirsten, who's job literally includes watching Serie A, is really not sold on Kozak. Even beyond that, however, there are bigger needs that the club should probably be focusing on. They've already got five strikers (Christian Benteke, Gabby Agbonlahor, Andi Weimann, Aleksandar Tonev, and Nicklas Helenius) who are all capable of starting. Is this all part of Lambert's elusive plan to one day start a 3-1-6 formation?

Regardless, we'll make sure to have any updates for you as they happen.

More from 7500 To Holte:

• GdS jumping on the Kozak reports
• Stephen Ireland at Stoke for medical
• Signing Shay Given is like a night of heavy drinking in Dublin
• Aston Villa midfielder has medical scheduled at Crystal Palace