Ibrahim Sangare to Aston Villa transfer latest: ‘Near immaculate’ ball winner in Gerrard’s spotlight

It’s no secret that Steven Gerrard is actively looking to add a defensive midfielder to his Aston Villa squad this summer.

The head coach’s top target is understood to be Leeds United and England star Kalvin Phillips, while Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara have also been linked with interest regarding a potential move to Villa Park. But the latest name in the frame is PSV’s 24-year-old Ivory Coast international Ibrahim Sangare – a leggy, 6ft 2 inch tall aggressive ball winner.

Villa want to be competing for European football next season and owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will back Gerrard in the market as he looks to shape his squad and put his own stamp on the team ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Steven Gerrard was on a scouting mission at the King Power Stadium recently to run the rule over Leicester City ahead of the sides’ goalless draw in the Premier League. It was also an opportunity for the Villa boss to check out Sangare who was in action against the Foxes in the Europa Conference League with PSV.

Villa boss Gerrard will have been impressed by the Ivorian who is enjoying a standout campaign in the Eredivisie, clocking up several man-of-the-match accolades while, against Brendan Rodgers’ men, Sangare performed strongly up against Youri Tielemans, James Maddison and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Sangare posted a near-immaculate 88 per cent for his pass completion and won an impressive 63 per cent of his duels up against those in Leicester blue. He also chalked up 12 ball recoveries, including five in the opposition half. Nobody made more interceptions on the night.

Gerrard has spoken about the need to add “stature” to his ranks and a certain “profile,” and Sangare - valued at £15million -