Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Roma midfielder Steven Nzonzi this month.
However, according to French outlet Foot Mercato, cited by Sports Witness, Villa, along with Premier League rivals West Ham, look set to miss out on the 31-year-old.
That’s because he’s reportedly decided to join Ligue 1 side Rennes on loan for the rest of the season.
The report claims that both Villa and the Hammers have been ‘turned down’, with the World Cup winner impressed with the project offered by Rennes.
Holding midfielder Nzonzi, who has 195 Premier League appearances to his name with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, now looks set to complete a move over the coming days.
Read Aston Villa verdict
Dean Smith wants to bring in another striker before the end of the month, and in our minds, even though Villa officials will more than likely view this news as a transfer blow, missing out on a reported target, we don’t see it that way.
Villa currently have Marvelous Nakamba, Douglas Luiz and new signing Danny Drinkwater available to play in a defensive midfield role, and although Nzonzi would’ve brought a wealth of experience to Villa Park, a striker should be the priority in our eyes.
It also helps that rivals West Ham will also reportedly be missing out on the Frenchman.
Despite the arrival of Mbwana Samatta, Villa are still fairly light in terms of attacking options, especially following Wesley’s season-ending injury.
If they can get another striker through the door, then in our opinion, Villa fans, like us, won’t be too worried about missing out on Nzonzi’s services.
