Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has blocked Keinan Davis from a loan departure this month.

Sky Sports says Stoke City look set to be denied the chance to sign Davis on loan after it was claimed that boss Smith wants to keep the striker at Aston Villa.

The Potters have been eager to bolster their forward line due to injuries to Steven Fletcher and top scorer Tyrese Campbell as they look to maintain their push for a top-six finish.

Speculation had linked Villa's Davis with a switch to the Bet 365 Stadium amid claims Stoke were leading the chase to sign the highly-rated forward.

But the Potters look set to suffer disappointment after reporting that Smith is not keen on letting Davis leave.