Aston Villa and Lange eyeing 'brilliant young talent' for Gerrard; available for just £8.5m

Aston Villa have reportedly been ‘seduced’ by the prospect of signing Bordeaux striker Sekou Mara, according to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness). 

Born in Paris, Mara was part of the youth system at French powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain before arriving at Bordeaux in 2017.

The 19-year-old France youth international has since developed at a rapid rate and has already attracted the attention of fellow French Ligue 1 clubs AS Monaco and Lyon as well as strong interest from Southampton following an impressive breakout season.

Now as Villa boss Steven Gerrard attempts to bolster the attacking ranks in the Midlands, a fresh claim has emerged suggesting Mara is on the radar…

As per Foot Mercato, translated by SW, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Leeds United are all interested in the ten-cap France Under 21 starlet.

It’s claimed that the interest from mega-rich Newcastle is ‘very concrete’ whilst Leeds and the Villans have both been ‘seduced’ by Mara in this transfer window.

The report also states that the French youngster – who was labelled a ‘brilliant young talent’ by journalist Zach Lowy –  is valued at around €10million (£8.5million) by the French outfit, who find themselves in financial turmoil having been relegated to the French third tier due to off-field issues.

Johan Lange may need to act fast however if the Villans wish to turn their interest into a serious move, with Southampton edging closer to completing the signing.

At the mooted price, signing Mara represents a wholly viable option for Villa ownership group NSWE as they and Lange attempt to bolster the attacking ranks at Gerrard’s disposal ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

As things stand, out of favour Brazilian striker Wesley is expected to secure a loan deal