Championship side Birmingham City failed in a bid to sign Aston Villa striker Libor Kozak on loan before the window closed last week, according to reports.

The 26-year-old Czech Republic international has struggled with injuries since making a £4.6m move to the Villans from Lazio in 2013, and is yet to appear in the Premier League this season.

However, new Villa boss Remi Garde was not willing to allow the striker to leave the club for their rivals and knocked back the Blues' approach, reports The Mirror.

Kozak, who has scored two goals in eight appearances for his country, was the top goalscorer in the 2012-13 Europa League.

He has made just 14 appearances for the Premier League club, scoring four goals.