Aston Villa make ‘last gasp contact’ for marquee deadline day transfer - it could be close

Aston Villa are reportedly trying to put together a last-minute agreement to sign Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Houssem Aouar. Unai Emery is said to not be done with his transfer dealings as the deadline approaches, with Villa apparently turning to Aouar after a move for Matteo Guendouzi failed.

The Villans had been linked intensely with Guendouzi as it looked as if he would reunite with Emery this window, but Marseille have firmed up their stance. The Ligue 1 outfit are unwilling to let their star midfielder leave this month, meaning Emery has had to look elsewhere.

According to Football Insider, there has been initial contact with Lyon over a potential loan deal for Aouar, with negotiations underway. Villa are expected to “face competition from rival clubs”, with a host of teams across Europe said to be aware of the situation.

Emery has made it clear he wants a new midfielder to compliment the likes of Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz – and it could well be Aouar if the latest reports are to be believed. Still just 24 years of age, Aouar, who has played once for France, has had plenty of interest as his contract expires at the end of the season.

Aouar has never left Lyon, as he came through their academy, but with just eight Ligue 1 appearances to his name this season it may be time to try a new challenge. In 224 games across all competitions, Aouar has scored 41 goals and contributed 35 assists for the French outfit.

With just under seven hours to go until the transfer deadline at the time of publication, Villa will have to get a move on if they want to complete a deal. Stranger things have happened on deadline days, though, so this could well be one to watch.