Boubacar Kamara transfer news: Villa threaten rival by dwarving their offer for departing star

Aston Villa have reportedly positioned themselves at the front of the queue to sign Boubacar Kamara by tabling a huge offer for the departing Marseille midfielder.

The 22-year-old star has been a regular in the Marseille side for the past four seasons, making 146 appearances during that time. But having rejected the offer of a new deal, he will likely leave as a free agent this summer.

That has, predictably, seen the former France U21 star linked with a plethora of clubs. Manchester United and Leeds were both among the eary suitors, but the pair have both eased away from a prospective deal for various reasons.

Newcastle are also seemingly among his suitors. However, the strongest Premier League interest has come from Aston Villa. To that end, Villa boss Steven Gerrard is reported to have watched the player in person with a potential swoop in mind.

However, they appeared to only be second favourites for his signature, with reports in Spain last week tipping Atletico Madrid to secure his signature.

Villa, though, are refusing to back down. As such AS claims the Midlands club are positioning themselves strongly in the chase.

They state Villa are a serious ‘threat’ to Atleti’s plans, having ‘put more money on the table’ for the player.

Whether that will be enough to tempt him to move to Villa Park, however, remains to be seen.

Atletico Madrid are currently third in LaLiga and are guaranteed a top four finish. And that will mean Kamara would have to turn his back on Champions League football were he to join Villa.

Gerrard has stressed though that he is keen to strengthen Villa’s spine this summer. To that end, the signing of Kamara would tick plenty of boxes for Villa.

“There are areas of the team where we are blessed and