Aston Villa step up their interest in the perfect midfielder for Steven Gerrard this summer

Aston Villa are reportedly interest in signing Marseille's Boubacar Kamara in the January transfer window as Steven Gerrard aims to strengthen the defensive side of his midfield.

But! Football Club report that Kamara has "notably been scouted" by Villa in recent weeks and that the midfielder is ready to ‘pack his bags’ ahead of a potential summer move, with several clubs currently monitoring the situation.

Wolves and Newcastle United have previously been credited with an interest in the player, with the likes of Manchester United and Atletico Madrid also circling. The player's contract expires this summer and so far negotiations with Marseille over a new deal have been unsuccessful.

Kamara is perfectly suited to what Villa need in midfield having been labelled a "technical destroyer" by one news outlet. From pressing the opposition, battling for possession or being comfortable when being pressed himself, he would provide the necessary grit and composure that Villa possibly lacked against Wolves.

The France under-21 international is one of only 10 players under the age of 23 across Europe’s top five leagues to rank in the top 25% for winning the ball and regaining possession for his team according to scouted football.

He is a technically gifted player that is comfortable in possession but also offers an intense and essential defensive contribution in midfield. The midfielder is largely regarded as one of the hottest prospects in French football and it is no surprise he is gaining interest from clubs across Europe.

Newcastle United were the only club to make an official approach for the player in summer but their offer of €14million too low as Marseille valued the midfielder at around €20million, whilst Atletico most