Aston Villa ‘exploring’ audacious bid for Liverpool target Kylian Mbappe envies

Aston Villa have added Stade Rennais winger Jeremy Doku to their transfer shortlist this summer as an alternative to Moussa Diaby, according to a reputable report.

Unai Emery is broadening his search for a new wide man, with a quick, agile and clinical option preferred. Doku, who is also wanted by Liverpool, definitely fits that mould.

With 6.7 successful dribbles per 90, Doku ranked top of Ligue 1’s best ball carriers last season and was significantly better than second-placed Edon Zhegrova, who recorded 4.5.

Still just 21 years of age, the Belgian scored six goals and contributed two assists in 29 league appearances last term. He also set up two goals in the Europa League.

Reliable transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Villa have included Doku on their list as an option in case the Moussa Diaby deal cannot be pulled off.

It’s claimed the priority remains Diaby, who the Villans saw a £30 million plus add-ons bid rejected for the Frenchman. Doku, however, is a serious option being explored.

He may not have topped the goalscoring charts at any stage in Ligue 1 but Doku has seriously impressed arguably the division’s best player, Kylian Mbappe.

Speaking in 2021, when Doku was just 19, Mbappe said: “I was speaking with my father about a player who impressed me because of his speed qualities – that is Doku, at Rennes.

“In five years as a professional, I have never seen someone from a standing start demonstrate so much power,” Mbappe continued, not holding back the praise.

It won’t be easy if Villa do make an approach for Doku, though, as Liverpool remain interested and Rennes are likely to demand upwards of £50 million for their star man.