Aston Villa are in hot pursuit of Nimes Olympique winger Sada Thioub ahead of the January transfer window with the Championship side eyeing up a number of Ligue 1 talents, according to Le 10 Sport.
The French publication claim on their website that Villa have been scouting in France looking for potential signings and that the 23-year-old forward has caught their interest, having netted twice and chipping in with a further two assists in his 16 appearances.
Meanwhile SCO Angers midfielder Baptiste Santamaria is also said to be in the Villan’s sights alongside three French clubs, the 23-year-old having appeared in every league game this season.
Good move for Villa?
Former Villa boss Steve Bruce chose to strengthen his wide options over the summer with the arrivals of Yannick Bolasie and Anwar El Ghazi so another winger is not really high up the club’s priority list – unless they plan on offloading one of their current options.
Thioub’s form is nothing special and there is no guarantee that he will be able to improve his performances were he to move to the Championship.
As such, Dean Smith might be best off keeping faith with his current options.
As for Santamaria, another defensive midfielder – one with more mobility than the likes of Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan – would not go amiss and as such he would be a welcome addition to the squad.
This is Futbol rating: Thioub – 6.5/10, Santamaria – 8/10
Likely to happen?
Being an English side bankrolled by their new owners, Villa will be easily able to tempt overseas players in moving to the club – especially if they are pushing for a promotion spot.
Both seem like realistic signings and it could just be the asking price set by the French sides which determines whether they are heading to Villa Park in January.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10