Aston Villa sporting director Suso Garcia Pitarch is in negotiations over a move to the club for Levante midfielder Cheick Doukoure but a move hangs in the balance over the player’s financial demands, according to Super Deporte.
The Spanish news outlet claim on their website that the 26-year-old Ivory Coast international, who has 21 caps to his name, is keen on a move to the Championship outfit, more so than a return to France or to another Spanish side, but that there are issues which could see the talks fall through.
It is stated that there is a difference between the player and club when it comes to his monetary demands, with Villa pausing negotiations at present.
Opinion
After what happened over the summer when it comes to the Villans’ finances, it is no surprise to hear that they are being extra-cautious when it comes to new signings. The near-collapse of the club on a financial basis was down to the amount of money they spent on players, including wages, in a gamble to reach the Premier League and their failure to do so left them in the lurch. Is Doukoure worth what he is asking for? Well, we do not know exactly what the price set in negotiations is but as an Ivory Coast international who has experience in two of Europe’s top divisions, you can imagine he and his representatives have set a premium fee on his own head. A midfielder would not go amiss for Dean Smith’s men this season, especially one with the talent and experience of the Levante man, so you can understand why they have targeted him for a move. Is he worth the risk? That is up to Pitarch and the transfer team at Villa Park to decide.