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Report: Aston Villa hold talks over midfielder move, deal could be a loan
By Amir Mir
Aston Villa midfielder Jordan Veretout could join French club Marseille on loan, according to a report.
French outlet Foot Mercato claim the possibility of a permanent transfer is receding after Villa slapped an £8.8million price tag on the player.
It is said that the two clubs are still in discussions over a deal and that a loan is now looking more likely.
Manager Roberto Di Matteo has admitted he is keen to trim his large squad and Veretout is one of those who is considered surplus to requirements.
The report says Spanish outfits Celta Vigo and Real Betis have also shown interest in the central midfielder, who moved to Villa lat summer.
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The Midlands club were relegated into the second-tier last season as Veretout failed to impress during his 29 appearances for the team.
Marseille originally targeted three Villa midfielders, Sanchez, Veretout and Idrissa Gueye, but the latter looks set for a move to Premier League outfit Everton after they triggered his £7.1 million release clause.
Villa supporters have become quite frustrated in recent weeks with the inactivity of transfers at the club, with no striker yet signed and many of last year’s underperformers still at the club.
Di Matteo will be now gearing up for a tough opening away fixture against Sheffield Wednesday when Villa kick-off their Championship campaign on August 7.
In other Aston Villa transfer news, the club have offered this player plus cash for a £10million rated Premier League striker.