Aston Villa scouts watch France midfielder as Wolves considered Ipswich Town new boy

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
The latest transfer talk from Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Aston Villa are reportedly monitoring France Under-23 midfielder Andy Diouf as Unai Emery looks to boost his options in the middle of the pitch.

As they prepare for their Champions League adventure, Emery has already added several new faces to his squad during the summer transfer window after spending around £130m on the likes of Everton star Amadou Onana, Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen and Juventus duo Samuel Ilang-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea. However, Umery has already hinted his most important additions have already been made this summer as the final days of the window lie in wait.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s defeat against Arsenal, the Villa boss said: "Now we are more or less happy with the players we have in the squad. Of course, if we can add some players which are a good opportunity we are going to be ready. Something can change, players leaving, or players joining. The most important things in the transfer window, we did."

Despite those comments, Villa have been named alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City on a list of several clubs that have been monitoring the progress of Lens midfielder Andy Diouf after he impressed for the Ligue 1 club over the last year. HITC have claimed the France Under-23 international was watched by several clubs during Lens 2-1 home win against Panathanaikos in the first leg of a Europa Conference League play-off round tie on Thursday night. The midfielder also featured on Sunday afternoon as Lens made it two wins from two Ligue 1 games with a 2-0 home victory against Champions League qualifiers Brest.

Wolves considered Burnley defender

Wolves reportedly considered a late move for Burnley defender Dara O’Shea prior to his move to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.

Gary O’Neil has already completed four new signings during the summer transfer window after completing moves for Rodrigo Gomes, Pedro Lima, Tommy Doyle and Jorgen Strand Larsen since the end of last season and the latter of that quartet scored in Sunday’s home defeat against Chelsea. However, O’Neil is believed to be keen to boost his options in the heart of his defence after allowing Max Kilman to join Premier League rivals West Ham United last month.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Dara O'Shea of Burnley acknowledges the fans prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Cardiff City FC at  on August 17, 2024 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)BURNLEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Dara O'Shea of Burnley acknowledges the fans prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Cardiff City FC at  on August 17, 2024 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Dara O'Shea of Burnley acknowledges the fans prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Cardiff City FC at on August 17, 2024 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

The Sun journalist Alan Nixon has claimed one option considered by Wolves was Republic of Ireland star O’Shea after a delay in the deal that was in place by Ipswich. However, that deal was eventually completed on Sunday morning as the Tractor Boys continued to boost their squad as they look to build on the momentum gained by their long-awaited promotion into the Premier League.

Speaking after making the move to Portman Road, O’Shea said: “I want to play in the Premier League and test myself against the best players in the world, which is something I want to do for as long as possible, and I can't think of a better place to do that. I know quite a few of the lads in the squad and the style of play really suits me, where I can show my strengths and improve my weaknesses, so I’m looking forward getting to work as soon as possible and being part of the culture.” 

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice