Nahki Wells is still being tracked by a Premier League club as long-time admirers Wolves appeared to drop out of the race.

Aston Villa have been backed in to favourites for the City striker’s signature according to two leading bookmakers.

But the T&A understands that they are not the club involved – nor is it Sunderland, another team to be linked with him.

City insist they have received only one proper bid for Wells since the transfer window opened. It was an improvement on Peterborough’s, which was knocked back last summer, but still fell below what the club are looking for.

Two sides from the top flight had also registered an interest last week – and Julian Rhodes revealed that one of them remains very much in the picture.

Rhodes said: “One is still in the ring. They’ve been on to Phil (Parkinson) about Nahki and on that basis they could be coming in with something.

“We get inquiries every day but we’ve had no formal offers other than the one last week.”

Wolves are thought to have been the mysterious bidder after boss Kenny Jackett yesterday admitted defeat in their pursuit of the Bermudian.

Jackett, who is desperate to add a speedy striker to the Molineux ranks, said: “Some weeks ago we did enquire about Nahki Wells but I don’t think he will come to League One.

“His aims and ambitions are above our level but that particular enquiry was some weeks ago.”

Meanwhile, City have suffered another injury blow after James Meredith broke his foot.

Meredith suffered the injury in training yesterday and revealed the news last night on Twitter.

He posted a picture of his right foot in a protective boot before sending a tweet which read: "Didn't mean to keep anyone hanging, broke my foot today in training. Sorry guys."