'More likely target' - Journalist talks up Aston Villa move for 'world class' destroyer

Journalist Josh Holland has urged Aston Villa to consider a move for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer. 

Wholesale alterations are expected at Villa Park this summer as Steven Gerrard attempts to put his stamp on the squad.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are lining up a new move for Douglas Luiz, and the Brazilian’s departure could make room for at least one new addition.

Having already been heavily linked with a move for Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillips, January target Bissouma could also remain on the radar in the Midlands…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Holland suggested that the 25-year-old Mali international would be the ‘better fit’ for Gerrard’s side out of those two reported targets.

He outlined: “I think them two players would do a perfect job. I think Bissouma is probably a more likely target, I’d say, just because Kalvin Phillips is Leeds through and through, and I think they’re probably going to stay up now.

“I’d say Phillips is better than Bissouma, but Bissouma, I think, would be a better fit for this Villa side.”

Both players would be superb additions to the Villa squad, but following an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign for Phillips, perhaps Bissouma is indeed the preferred option right now.

One year younger than the Englishman, the 18-cap Mali ace has been hailed as ‘world class’ by Ray Parlour. He has also outperformed his defensive midfield counterpart when it comes to averages for clearances, tackles and interceptions per game this season, whilst earning a 7.00 rating compared to Phillips’ 6.56 (WhoScored).

Furthermore, Leeds will reportedly demand a fee in the region of £50m for the Englishman, whilst Brighton are seemingly willing to consider bids of £40m for their talismanic midfielder.