Atletico Madrid hand Aston Villa transfer blow as they 'close' major deal

Atletico Madrid are reportedly set to 'close' a deal for Aston Villa target Boubacar Kamara.

Kamara, 22, is set to become a free agent this summer as his contract at Olympique de Marseille approaches its end without an extension in sight, prompting a scouting mission from Steven Gerrard, Christian Purslow and Johan Lange.

But Atletico Madrid have reportedly 'closed' a deal for the defensive midfielder, according to Todofichajes.

Video: Blood Red: Pep Guardiola Makes Title Claim After Draw At West Ham (Liverpool Echo)

Blood Red: 'He Helped Me Massively' | Luis Suarez's Influence On Jordan Henderson

Blood Red: "What A Boy" | Jurgen Klopp Hails Luis Diaz After FA Cup Final Performance

Blood Red: Aurelien Tchouameni Can Provide Midfield ‘Answer’ For Jurgen Klopp

Blood Red: Pep Guardiola Makes Title Claim After Draw At West Ham

Royal Blue: Frank Lampard Analyses Defeat To Brentford & 'Lack Of Discipline'

Blood Red: Thomas Tuchel On Chelsea Expecting To Suffer Against Liverpool

Blood Red: Paul Gorst's Verdict After Liverpool Beat Chelsea On Penalties To Win FA Cup

Royal Blue: Frank Lampard Shares Frustrations Over Refereeing After Brentford Defeat

Blood Red: Jurgen Klopp Gives Mohamed Salah & Virgil Van Dijk Injury Updates

Blood Red: Jurgen Klopp On Quadruple 'Chances' & 'Special Stories' In Liverpool Team

Blood Red: Jurgen Klopp Pays Tribute To Players, Fans & Club After Fa Cup Win

Blood Red: Sadio Mane Shares Liverpool Dressing Room Celebrations After FA Cup Win

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had previously stated both Villa and Atletico were in an 'open' race to sign the player, but it is now believed that the La Liga side have reached a 'pre-agreement' with Kamara ahead of the summer window.

Villa's pursuit of a