Aston Villa do due diligence on signing Ayyoub Bouaddi, 'it could happen now'

Ayyoub Bouaddi is being watched closely by scouts from Aston Villa as the Lille star looks set for a breakout tournament at the World Cup.

The 18-year-old started in midfield for Morocco against a well-backed Brazil side, and went directly up against a Premier League duo of Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes.

His performance in the 1-1 draw has set tongues wagging, but Aston Villa are among a number of clubs to have been aware of his talents even before the finals.

Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the recruitment team have been keeping a close eye on Bouaddi's displays for Lille this season.

At just 18 years old, being selected to start for his country at the World Cup is a huge honour for the midfielder, and has attracted new interest from potential suitors.

Aston Villa, however, have been long-term admirers and could now be tempted to step up their interest after watching him on the world stage.

Could Aston Villa sign Ayyoub Bouaddi?

Football Insider reported on 15 June that Bouaddi has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs including the likes of Man United.

The level of interest in his signature could make it difficult for Aston Villa to pull off a move, particularly with Lille expected to demand a significant fee for his services.

However, Unai Emery is keen to bolster his midfield, and with scouts having watched the 18-year-old this season, they could be set to compete for his signature.

"Any 18-year-old who performs at that level at a World Cup is bound to attract attention," Brown told Football Insider.

"Especially going up against a side like Brazil, with the players in their squad and especially in midfield where there is plenty of Premier League experience.

"So there will be a number of clubs who have been alerted to his performances, and if his form continues at the World Cup, that interest could accelerate.

"Aston Villa are one of the clubs I'm told have been looking at him, and they've been keen for a while, it hasn't just come about after what he did against Brazil.

"They've had scouts in France keeping an eye on his development and assessing whether or not he would be a good fit for them.

"So they've done their due dilligence, and now they're watching him on the biggest stage alongside everybody else, so if they are going to make a move, it's likely to be now."

Who else is interested in signing Bouaddi?

Bouaddi's performance against Brazil at the World Cup has brought more attention than any other player at the tournament so far, despit the game ending level.

At just 18 years old, his performance against some experienced stars have grabbed the attention of top clubs from across Europe.

Football Insider exclusivelt revealed on 15 June that Arsenal have opened preliminary talks to sign Bouaddi, and hope to complete a deal during the summer window.

The Gunners are hopeful of agreeing terms at a fee of around £50million plus add-ons, while Lille are said to be holding out for around £60m.

European champions PSG are also said to be interested in the Morocco international, who has already made 96 senior appearances for Lille and is under contract until 2029.