Fresh Aston Villa double transfer claim made and Yves Bissouma prediction

Aston Villa will reportedly try again for Yves Bissouma in the summer even if they land Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus, according to reports.

The Express claim that Villa are 'expected' to be in for Bissouma when the season finishes regardless of whether Bentancur signs for the club.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard wants to sign a new defensive midfielder for the rest of the season to mitigate the knee injury Marvelous Nakamba suffered in December.

The Zimbabwean has been a big miss for Gerrard with knee surgery needed on an injury that he picked up in the loss to Liverpool before the turn of the year.

Douglas Luiz can fill in at defensive midfield but he is better used either side of a traditional anchor in midfield.

Bentancur is a top target for Villa with Bissouma currently away with Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations and Brighton and Hove Albion highly unlikely to countenance a sale of the 25 year-old.

Bissouma is in the final 18 months of his contract at Brighton and in the summer Graham Potter's side will be faced with a choice of whether to cash in on one of their top assets or try and convince him to sign a new deal.

The Express report that Villa are setting their sights on a new centre-back and defensive midfielder having already added to their attacking ranks with Philippe Coutinho and upgraded at left-back with Matt Targett.

Robin Olsen has arrived to offer back-up to Emiliano Martinez while Kerr Smith is one for the future at centre-back.

Axel Tuanzebe has left Villa with his loan spell from Manchester United brought to an end to join Serie A side Napoli.

Gerrard's first-choice pair at centre-back are Ezri Konsa and captain Tyrone Mings at present with Kortney Hause, who has recently signed a new