Aston Villa are closing in on signing Levante midfielder Cheick Doukoure, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claimed via their live transfer blog on Sunday morning that Doukoure, 26, could be signed up on loan until the end of the season as Villa fight over the defensive midfielder with Rayo Vallecano.
It is understood that Doukoure is well-known to Villa’s sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch and Levante are ready to let the Ivory Coast international leave in the January transfer window.
Good move for Aston Villa?
Why does Dean Smith need Doukoure?
He has plenty of central midfielders and Doukoure might not be someone who even breaks into the current starting line-up at Villa Park.
The former Metz player is a defensive midfielder, and Villa already have a couple of other options to play in his position, whereas their defence is a complete mess at the moment.
Smith really doesn’t need Doukoure at all next month. If he wants to sign a midfielder it has to be someone better than he already has, and Doukoure isn’t.
This is Futbol rating 3/10
Likely to happen?
If Pitarch is behind this deal then there is a good chance of it happening.
Levante appear keen to get rid of the midfielder and Villa should have the pull to be able to seal a deal next month.
Smith may not need Doukoure, but it looks like he is going to get him regardless.
This is Futbol rating 7/10