Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign midfielder Cheick Doukoure on loan.
Aston Villa are close to completing a deal to sign Cheick Doukoure on loan, according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (30/12; page 73), with the Levante midfielder’s agent arriving in Birmingham at the weekend.
Dean Smith is gearing up for his first transfer window as Villans boss. The club have made a bright start under the new boss, but clearly do need additions in the January window, having won just one of their last five fixtures.
And perhaps Doukoure could prove to be one of those signings. The Sunday Mirror (30/12; page 73) reports that the 26-year-old is close to joining Villa, despite interest from Rayo Vallecano.
His agent has reportedly come to England as the Villans look to agree a loan deal for the Ivory Coast international.
The holding midfielder has made five appearances in La Liga this term, including two starts, but he has not played for Levante since early November, so it is little surprise that he appears to be available.
Villa are certainly not short of options in the middle of the park. And it was Glenn Whelan who provided the assist for Tammy Abraham’s goal in their 1-1 draw with Preston North End on Saturday.
But there are probably plenty of supporters who would argue that they need more quality just in front of the defence. And Smith is seemingly hoping that Doukoure will provide that.
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