When it comes to transfer business, looking for targets, getting deals done or getting players signed up to new contracts, then those at Aston Villa are at a Champions League level.
But the hardline truth is that, during the past two seasons, they have finished in the bottom half and they aren’t close to those much sought-after European places.
Signing players like Boubacar Kamara from Marseille certainly helps Villa and Steven Gerrard’s cause going forward, as well as Diego Carlos, who has joined from Sevilla.
And they could dip into the same French market for Nantes defender, Quentin Merlin, according to the Sunday Mirror.
With Merlin’s name being thrown into the Aston Villa transfer rumour mill, it has resulted in fans trying to dig up what the 20-year-old is all about.
Well, footage has emerged of the left-back, who can also play further up the field as a winger, scoring a wonder goal against PSG this season.
Merlin’s left-footed strike, as you can see below, came during Nantes’ 3-1 win over Ligue 1 champions PSG in February.
VILLA NEED ANOTHER LEFT-BACK THIS SUMMER
Villa already have a left-footed Frenchman showcasing his worth to fans, and if their latest target can follow in Lucas Digne’s footsteps, then he is worth pushing for.
The Midlands side need cover at left-back, that’s if Matt Targett leaves after he returned from his loan spell at Newcastle United.
But given that Merlin’s name is being mentioned, as well as Rangers star Calvin Bassey, then it probably indicates that Villa will sell Targett this summer.
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