Aston Villa shouldn’t sign Seko Fofana

Steven Gerrard wants to sign a defensive-midfielder this summer as he feels Aston Villa don’t have a natural deep-lying player who can break up opposition attacks and provide the defence with much-needed protection.

Marvelous Nakamba has been sidelined with injury for much of the season, Morgan Sanson doesn’t have his manager’s trust to start a run of games and Douglas Luiz has put in mixed performances in the makeshift role, so Villa are expected to dip into the transfer market.

Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma and Olympique Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara are on their radar, but But! Lens say Seko Fofana is a transfer target.

The 26-year-old joined Lens on a four-year deal from Udinese in 2020 and has gone on to make 68 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals with five assists, but he might not provide the protection Gerrard is looking for.

Fofana has made less interceptions (23) than Luiz (27) and fewer tackles (23) too (49). He’s been dribbles past (41) one less time than the Brazilian too (42), so Gerrard might be better off turning his attentions elsewhere.

In other news, Matt Targett should stay at Aston Villa