Aston Villa ‘begin talks’ with key transfer target as Ligue 1 club ‘eye’ Villa’s £14m signing

Aston Villa will already be raring to go as we await the final stretch of the Premier League season.

Clubs are currently in the midst of the international break, but when club action returns, there will be no further breaks for the end of the season.

In Villa’s case, the objective will be a top-half finish, with Steven Gerrard’s men looking to build momentum heading into next season.

But as we await the return of the Premier League, we have taken a look at the latest Villa transfer rumours:

Coutinho talks

Villa are said to have begun talks with Philippe Coutinho over a permanent deal.

The Brazilian has done brilliantly during his loan spell, and the club do hold an option to buy worth around £34million.

But there is more to it, with the midfielder commanding a large wage, and according to 90min, Villa have now begun conversations with Coutinho in a bid to work out a long-term deal.

Sanson interest

Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson is said to be attracting interest ahead of the summer window.

The 27-year-old has only made nine Premier League appearances this season, and according to Foot Mercato, he is being eyed by Nantes ahead of the summer.

Sanson only arrived from Marseille last year, but he hasn’t set the world alight, and Villa may take the opportunity to recoup some or all of the £14million or so they spent to buy the Frenchman.