Aston Villa are in the hunt to sign Brentford defender Yoann Barbet in the January transfer window, according to Football Insider.
The reliable site claim the Midlands giants are keen to sign the versatile 25-year-old, who can play at either centre-back or left-back.
Football Insider report Villa face competition from Stoke City for the signature of Barbet, who is out of contract at the end of the season and able to leave on a free transfer.
Good move for Villa?
Barbet could be a solid acquisition. As any and every Villa fan will tell you, the second-tier big guns are crying out for a reliable defender who can slot into a variety of positions. Former France Under-18 international Barbet has been a mainstay of an impressive Brentford side this season and has benefited enormously from the guidance of Dean Smith since he moved to England in the summer of 2015. He is proven in the Championship, approaching his peak years and should be within the Midlands clubs’ price range. This is a deal that makes a whole lot of sense, especially in the tricky winter window.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10
Likely to happen?
There is a very good chance, given how well Smith knows Barbet from their Brentford days and the likelihood the Frenchman will be keen to rekindle their working relationship. A deal is also possible given that the London club have one final chance of getting a fee for the player in the January window, or risk losing him for nothing at the end of the campaign.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10