Aston Villa are reportedly keeping tabs on Reims left-back Ghislain Konan ahead of a potential bid in the summer transfer window for the defensive ace.
Villa stalwart Neil Taylor will see his current contract expire at the end of the season, and so if his deal isn’t renewed, it will leave a void that must be filled in the squad.
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While Matt Targett has cemented his place as our first-choice left-back, depth and competition will be needed in that department as we look to compete at the top level, and so it would make sense if we look for another option this summer, particularly if Taylor departs.
As per The Daily Mail, Villa and Southampton are both interested in Konan, while it’s suggested that Reims will demand a fee in the region of €6m to green light an exit for him this summer.
It’s added that Villa are monitoring his situation, and so time will tell if we launch a bid and whether or not it’s successful in prising him to Birmingham ahead of next season.
Konan, 25, has made 32 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit so far this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist to go with his defensive work.
Further, he has 12 caps for the Ivory Coast to his name, and so he has experience at a high level for both club and country.
Targett will no doubt remain our primary left-back, provided his form doesn’t slip, as he has been brilliant this season both in terms of consistency and his development as he has improved significantly from last year.
However, healthy competition is absolutely necessary at Villa moving forward to keep everyone on their toes moving forward and to raise the level of quality in the group.
In turn, time will tell if Konan is a new arrival this summer, but it would seem as though Villa are certainly interested in him ahead of the transfer window opening for business.