Aston Villa have entered the race to sign Stade de Reims defender Ghislain Konan, according to a report.
The Daily Mail claim that Villa are battling their Premier League rivals Southampton for the left-back’s signature.
Both Villa and the Saints should be on the lookout for a left-sided defender this summer, with Ryan Bertrand confirming that he will leave when his contract expires and Neil Taylor also set to become a free agent in B6.
From Villa’s perspective, they have a pretty solid first-choice left-back to choose from – a Southampton academy product – in Matty Targett, who is a potential Player of the Season contender.
But Dean Smith needs that competition behind him and it could come in the form of a 25-year-old, who is an Ivory Coast international, but plying his trade in France’s top-tier.
Villa have been dipping into the French market of late, with Morgan Sanson arriving in January and Bertrand Traore joining last summer.
Whilst injuries have halted Sanson’s Villa career, it has been the opposite for their left-footed winger, who has looked very promising out on the flanks.
So, if Konan can have a similar impact then he will be worth pushing for, especially given that the report suggests that he would be worth a tad over £5 million and he is keen on a move to the Premier League.
Either way, whether it’s Konan, or someone from another continent, Villa need another left-back this summer.
In terms of a starting XI, Villa are pretty strong, but more quality is needed on the bench as the Midlands giants search for European football.
If their next four to five signings can have the same impact and success as Emi Martinez, Ollie Watkins, Traore and Matty Cash then Villa will no doubt be battling for those top seven places next season.
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