Aston Villa are poised to make a bid for Abdoulaye Sissako.
According to a report in The Sun the Auxerre teenager has been highlighted by Villa scouts who are keen to bring the player to England.
Sissako has been starring for France at the u-20 Toulon Tournament and has been watched on a number of occasions by Villa’s scouting network.
The midfielder has made seven starting appearances for Auxerre in Ligue 2 and has come through the ranks of the French international youth sides.
Villa have had a reputation for having one of the best academy set ups in England but the supply of players to the first team has become erratic due to constant changes of manager.
Steve Bruce is concentrating his energies on the first team but is aware of the need for the club to bring through it’s own players and is keen to bring in Sissako.
Although he has two years left on his contract Villa are confident that a deal can be struck with Auxerre well versed in selling on their home-bred players for profit.