Aston Villa aren’t short of midfielders with Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Marvelous Nakamba, Morgan Sanson and Jacob Ramsey, but they don’t have a deep-lying defensive option that can provide a shield in front of the backline.

Steven Gerrard has been on the hunt for such a player this month, leading to Villa being linked with Rangers’ Glen Kamara, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma and Juventus’ Rodrigo Bentancur, but the Daily Mail say talks have been held regarding Olympique Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara.  

Villa are believed to have contacted the 22-year-old’s agent and hope to beat Leeds United and Manchester United to his signature before the January transfer window shuts. Kamara has a £10m asking price as his deal is up this summer and fans on social media believe he’s worth every penny.

The French U21 international has made 146 appearances in all competitions for l’OM, scoring four goals with five assists. In 19 Ligue 1 games this season, he’s averaged a tackle (29) or interception (21) every 28 minutes and completes 89.9% of his 61 passes per game average, so he has all the attributes to be an effective holding midfielder.

Villa want to sign him, but time will tell if their pursuit is successful.

In other news, Noel Whelan tips Man Utd to sign ‘important’ John McGinn for £60m