Angers general manager Oliver Pickeau has opened the door for Baptiste Santamaria, who was considered an alternative to Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips, to move to Villa next season.
Dean Smith’s side reportedly had a bid rejected for the midfielder, according to L’Equipe, via The Boot Room.
However, the midfielder could yet end up at Aston Villa, with the Angers general manager revealing that a deal could still happen next summer.
We closed the door. I think it’s pretty clear. Aston Villa made an important offer, we had a chat with Baptiste to explain the importance he had in our project and the fact that he could be allowed to leave next year.
As a result of our exchange, we thought we would continue the adventure together, without frustration, and the correct opportunity will come.
Read Aston Villa’s Verdict
Despite Villa’s splurge in the transfer window this summer, there is still room for improvement.
The fact this deal is not dead in the water offers a lot of hope for future transfer potential for Dean Smith and his side.
Villa did buy a lot of midfielders over the summer, including Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz, so they could feel like they’ve really strengthened that area of the pitch.
However, with Villa reportedly still having an interest in Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips despite signing the midfielders shows that Dean Smith may not yet be satisfied with the quality in the middle of the pitch.
A deal next summer may be the way to go, if Villa survive in the top flight.
