Aston Villa: 164-game 'phenomenon' is 'on Villa Park radar'

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is watching potential targets in action during the closing stages of the season and Marseille star Boubacar Kamara is on the Villa Park radar, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Midlands giants were Europe’s sixth biggest spenders during the January window and it appears Gerrard is keen to splash the cash once again in the summer.

According to MailOnline, Villa are in the market for two central midfielders and Gerrard was seen in the Orange Velodrome stands watching Kamara during Marseille’s 3-2 win over Nantes last week.

The report suggests the £22.5million-rated star is being coveted by numerous clubs and, despite being highly valued, will be available on a free transfer in the summer.

That is because Kamara’s £46,000-per-week contract is set to expire at the end of the season and he has refused to commit his long-term future to Marseille.

It means he is in the final weeks of his time with the Ligue 1 giants, where he has racked up 164 appearances after coming through the ranks.

Amid interest from Barcelona, ​​Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Roma, Juventus, Arsenal and Newcastle United, Villa have reportedly already offered Kamara a ‘big contract’ as they attempt to win the race for the 22-year-old defensive midfielder.

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Jones believes Gerrard is keen to watch shortlisted targets at close quarters before making a move for them in the summer.

The transfer insider understands Kamara, who has been described as a ‘phenomenon’ by former team-mate Rolando, has been on Villa’s radar for a prolonged period of time.

When asked whether Gerrard was in Marseille to watch potential targets in action, Jones told