Habib Diarra
Habib Diarra (Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa have been linked with a move for creative midfielder Habib Diarra, who is the captain of French side Strasbourg, who just missed out on European football for next season.
Diarra, who is only 21 despite being handed the armband this past season, played 30 games and made nine goal contributions under boss Liam Rosenior. The Senegal international came through the ranks in Strasbourg and has already clocked up over 100 first-team appearances.
Villa, according to the Sun, took an interest from afar in Diarra last season and have continued to keep tabs on him this campaign, another year during which he has flourished once more. It's claimed that Diarra would command a transfer fee upwards of £25m.
Everton and Nottingham Forest have also scouted Diarra, while Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt have also previously had a bid, in the region of £15m, rejected by Strasbourg - but they're open to selling at the right price.
Former Hull City and Derby County boss Rosenior said earlier of this season of Diarra: "For Habib to have played 100 games for this club, at his age, is amazing. He's been here since he was 14, it's a club he loves. To be captain at this age says a lot about his character and mentality - I think he's going to have an amazing career. In my time working with him, he's been magnificent. I love Habib."
Villa are in the market for more creative talents this summer; they'll have to make a decision on Marco Asensio, who excelled in Friday night's 2-0 win over Tottenham, when his loan spell ends after this weekend's finale at Manchester United, while they also have midfield loanees returning to the club, like Enzo Barrenechea.
What is Villa's transfer priority in the summer window? Tell us HERE
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