'Showing ambition' - Aston Villa 'in for' £43.2m powerhouse

Aston Villa have shown they mean business by entering the race to sign AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Villa were Europe’s sixth biggest spenders during the January transfer window, but head coach Steven Gerrard is already looking at potential targets ahead of the summer.

According to the Express, Villa are willing to rival Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Kessie.

The report suggests Barcelona are ready to offer the £43.2million-rated man a lucrative five-year deal as they look to win the race for his services, but that has not stopped Villa Park chiefs identifying Kessie as a target of their own.

Real Madrid have also coveted the 25-year-old and reportedly opened discussions shortly after the turn of the year.

Kessie’s AC Milan contract, worth £69,000-per-week, is due to expire in the summer and the Italian giants have been unable to negotiate fresh terms.

As a result, Villa and other suitors outside of Italy have already been able to enter discussions ahead of a potential pre-contract agreement since the turn of the year.

Despite the uncertainty over his future, Kessie has remained a regular starter for AC Milan and made more than 210 appearances.

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O’Rourke believes Villa have shown they are looking to make solid progress under Gerrard by setting their sights on signing Kessie, who has been described as ‘devastating’.

However, the journalist has warned the Midlands club may be frustrated in their efforts to welcome the 52-cap Ivory Coast international to Villa Park.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “It shows the ambition of Aston Villa that