Major update on Aston Villa's transfer chase for Yves Bissouma

Aston Villa had one of their most successful January transfer windows to date. However, fans were once again left feeling that they had been left short in terms of their midfield options moving forward.

This wasn't through a lack of trying from the club. It is understood Steven Gerrard and his recruitment staff pursued a deal for Brighton's Yves Bissouma, however ultimately decided against paying upwards of £40 million for a player entering the final year of his contract.

The Express and Star are reporting that Villa are set to renew their interest in Bissouma as soon as the transfer window reopens. Gerrard is reportedly keen to bring the player in, but was reluctant to compromise whilst in negotiations over their asking price of him.

Brighton are believed to have valued the player at around £50 million, which was far from the initial £25 million bid Villa reportedly had rejected earlier on in the month.

Villa desperately need to strengthen the defensive aspect of their midfield due to Marvelous Nakamba's injury likely keeping him out for the majority of this season. Calum Chambers has been brought in and whilst on loan at Fulham in the 2018/19 season won Player of the Season whilst operating as their holding midfielder.

He offers an option for Gerrard to use, aside from the usual method of using Douglas Luiz in the position.

Gerrard has outlined that Luiz prefers to be further up the field and with contract negotiations currently taking place to keep him at the club, Gerrard may have to use Chambers in the role if he wants Luiz to commit his future to claret and blue.

If they fail to reach an agreement, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal will likely be circling in the summer once again for the player.