Aston Villa have 'made late move' for £17.6m 'creative' star at Villa Park | OneFootball

Aston Villa have made a late move to sign Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport.

The Villans are yet to make any signings on deadline day, despite rumblings of last-minute deals heading into the final 24 hours of the summer transfer window.

Aston Villa transfer news

Speaking to GiveMeSport, a number of journalists had tipped Aston Villa to do something on deadline day, having developed a knack for pulling off big signings without much forewarning.

The Express’ Ryan Taylor tipped the Midlands club to be ‘active‘ today, while talkSPORT’s Alex Crook mooted a potential swoop for Leeds United winger Jack Harrison.

Thus far, there hasn’t been a great deal to write home about at Villa Park, aside from reports of Villa’s interest in Moussa Dembele being unlikely to develop into a late move.

But Football Insider reported this afternoon that the Villa Park side are working on a late deal to sign Aouar from Lyon.

Unai Emery’s outfit are said to be in the market for a dynamic midfielder and the 24-year-old would certainly fit the bill.

His contract is due to expire at the end of the season, suggesting a deal could be done on the cheap. Transfermarkt currently value him at just €20m (£17.6m).

What has Pete O’Rourke said about Houssem Aouar?

O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport that Villa have made a ‘late move’ for the France international.

He said: “Aston Villa have made a late move for the Lyon midfielder. Unai Emery is looking to add to his attacking options at Villa and has been looking for a creative midfielder. Houssem Aouar does tick a lot of boxes. He’s coming to the end of his contract at Lyon as well so it’ll be a relatively cheap fee in that respect.”

Would Aouar be a good signing for Aston Villa?

Aouar certainly offers some pedigree. He’s been capped for France during an era in which they’ve been one of the most dominant sides in world football, and he’s featured in the Europa League and the Champions League throughout his career.

But whether he really gives Aston Villa something they need is another matter. Aouar predominantly features in central midfield, however Emery is by no means short of options there.

Jacob Ramsey, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara have all featured there this season, while Emi Buendia and Philippe Coutinho could be used just ahead of the engine room if required.

Finding a wide player seemed like more of a necessity for Villa going into deadline day, with Leon Bailey being the only such player at Emery’s disposal.

recall Bertrand Traore from a loan spell in Turkey.