Aston Villa could reignite their interest in Yves Bissouma this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
With Steven Gerrard preparing for his first full season in charge at Villa Park, the Midlands club have already been making waves in the market.
Just a day after the Premier League season drew to a close, Villa announced the signing of highly sought centre-midfielder Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer from Marseille, while a deal has also been agreed for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos.
Elsewhere, Philippe Coutinho has made his stay permanent, and it doesn’t look as if the spending is going to stop there – as Gerrard looks to build a team that can meet his long-term goal of playing European football.
Having had a £25m bid turned down from Brighton & Hove Albion back in January, O’Rourke has suggested that the West Midlanders will return with a revised offer during the off-season.
He told GiveMeSport: “We all know Villa have held a long-term interest in Yves Bissouma. They tried to sign him in January, but Brighton managed to hold on to him. I would expect Villa to be considering a move again for him in the summer transfer window.
“If they were to get him and Kamara in the same window, I think we’d definitely see an improvement in that Villa midfield in general.”
TIF Thoughts on Bissouma and Villa…
Indeed, signing two new enforcers in that engine room would be some business for Bodymoor Heath officials.
Former Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has hailed the 25-year-old as “phenomenal” for his ability on both sides of the ball, and despite the Mali international having a £50m price tag placed on his head by the Seagulls in January, as he heads into the final year of his contract, the Villains could acquire him for a much lower price.
It would be another shrewd piece of business given how Kamara was signed for nothing and Coutinho for just £17m, while it would provide serious options for Gerrard in the centre of the pitch as the club look to climb the table.