Aston Villa are on the brink of securing a deal for OGC Nice left-back Jordan Amavi.
According to the Metro, the Villains are closing in on a move for the highly-rated full-back and have agreed a £9 million fee for his services.
L’Equipe had previously reported that Tim Sherwood’s side had already offered Amavi a contract, with the Birmingham side proposing a deal that would see the 21-year-old triple his wages.
The Metro note that while Villa are making a concerted effort to acquire the defender, they may yet face competition from Olympique Lyonnais, with the Stade Gerland outfit also keen on signing the French U21 international.
The report continues to note that while Amavi would ostensibly be signed to solve a problem position for the Villains, he would have to see off the challenge of Joe Bennett to establish himself as first choice.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal, who the Daily Mail understand are keen on the youngster, will make a move. The Gunners have already had their chances of signing two other left-backs-Faouzi Ghoulam [Buteur via Le 10 Sport] and Jeffrey Schlupp [BBC]-diminished, and may see Amavi as an intriguing alternative.
L’Equipe have also noted that Atletico Madrid are keen on the full-back.
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Nice news
Amavi made 36 appearances for Nice in Ligue 1 last term, contributing four assists as Les Aiglons pulled clear of the relegation zone.
The defender is capable of contributing both offensively and defensively, with perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game being his astute readings of situations and his ability to anticipate danger.
The defender-who is eligible for France and Togo-averaged the highest interceptions-per-match of any player in Ligue 1 last term.