Doukoure has been linked with a move to Aston Villa of late.

Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal to land Levante midfielder Cheick Doukoure on loan until the end of the season – and supporters are excited at the prospect of landing the Ivory Coast international.
The Sunday Mirror claimed (page 73, December 30) that Villa are nearing a deal to land the 26-year-old, after the player’s agent arrived in Birmingham to thrash out a deal with Dean Smith’s side.
Smith has already completed his first signing ahead of the January transfer window, bringing in Croatia international Lovre Kalinic from Belgian side Gent for a fee believed to be in the region of £7million.
Fans are desperate to see additions made in a bid to strengthen the club’s push for the top six of the Championship in the second half of the season – and a centre-back is likely to be at the top of that list.
Villa could also do with new full-backs, as Alan Hutton continues to play out of position on the left flank. But with Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak entering the final six months of their Villa contracts, it looks as though a midfielder could be signed too.

Though it remains to be seen if there will be a permanent clause included in the loan, Villa are expected to land the 21-time Ivory Coast cap on loan to add cover to the likes of Birkir Bjarnason, John McGinn and Conor Hourihane.
Villa fans reacted excitedly to the news that Smith was getting his work in the window done early, with Doukoure seen as a decent signing after the midfielder has already faced the likes of Real Madrid, Villarreal and Real Betis this season.

Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
