This could well turn out to be a significant January transfer window if some of the latest links and rumours come to fruition. We are a long way from Kansas, Djemba-Djemba and Borja Baston, that’s for sure…
Whilst few originally thought that the Philippe Coutinho deal was conceivable, the £142m Brazilian international was coolly unveiled and has joined the club from Barcelona until the end of the season.
French international and highly regarded left-back Lucas Digne is understood to be next through the door. After publicly falling out with Rafa Benitez, the player is reported to be in the process of completing a medical ahead of a £25m switch.
There is now momentum building around a potential big money raid on Brighton…
YVES BISSOUMA
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother rumour previously reported that refuses to go away is that of Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.
It carries obvious merit, with Villa looking to improve at left back through the purchase of Digne, central midfield also requires reinforcement. Marvelous Nakamba is a long term absentee and Villa need obvious strengthening in this area if to realistically kick-on under Gerrard.
Any deal, described as “difficult and potentially expensive”, could cost Villa an eye watering transfer fee. Brighton are known to want to keep hold of their prized midfield asset, and a transfer valuation of anywhere between £40m to £50m have been widely speculated.
Whilst the early stories were lacking in reputable sources, the noise is growing around this potential move. There’s likely no smoke without fire at this point.
The 25 year old is currently away with Mali at the AFCON, with Liverpool and Chelsea known admirers over the last 18 months. Seagulls boss Graham Potter has rejected the notion of any departure to date, with Brighton sitting comfortably knowing Bissouma is contracted until summer 2023. Every player, however, has his price.
You can read further information about the possible move here, including the current state of play following his arrest for an alleged offence last summer. Bissouma is currently released whilst ‘under investigation’, according to local reports from the press on the South Coast.
HIGHLIGHT REEL
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