Aston Villa could now complete Yves Bissouma signing after confirmed transfer news – pundit
Aston Villa could now turn attention to signing Brighton star Yves Bissouma and “won’t waste any time” in sealing a move, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed manager Steven Gerrard will be “desperate” to add the 24-year-old midfielder to the “spine” of his Villa side.
This site revealed last month (7 April) that Aston Villa are plotting a summer move for Bissouma after seeing a £20million-plus bid rejected in the January window.
The Midlands giants have been busy in the market despite the window not yet opening.
They have signed midfielders Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara, and sealed a move for Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.
90min claim (24 May) the capture of defensive midfielder Kamara has not affected Aston Villa’s pursuit of Bissouma – with Tottenham, Arsenal, and West Ham also interested.
Whelan claimed the signing of the Mali international could hand Jacob Ramsey and Coutinho more freedom to express themselves.
“I still believe they’ll want Bissouma,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“They won’t be the only club.
“He can control the midfield excellently. That would allow the likes of Coutinho and Ramsey to do their jobs more effectively.
“Gerrard will be desperate to bring in Bissouma as part of that spine he’s building. They won’t waste any time, I’m sure – we’ve seen that.
“I can’t see him staying at Brighton. I think he will be leaving this summer.
“If Aston Villa can get in there early doors again – wow, what a window they will have had already.”
Aston Villa will want to improve on their 14th-place finish next season after their big summer outlay.
Bissouma has one year remaining on his Brighton contract.
In other news, pundit tips Aston Villa to secure “massive fee” after Newcastle transfer update.