Villarreal closing in on Lyon’s Georges Mikautadze | OneFootball

The race to sign Olympique Lyonnais’ Georges Mikautadze (24) has really heated up in recent hours. With Lyon needing to raise a further €40m in player sales before the closure of the window, in order to fulfil the promises made to the DNCG and UEFA, the Georgia international has emerged as the most probable candidate for a departure. That is because suitors have not made concrete steps to sign Malick Fofana.

Mikautadze is a player that OL ideally wanted to keep, but there are financial obligations that see him forced towards the exit. There have been a whole host of Premier League clubs joining the race in recent hours. Aston Villa reportedly have an agreement on personal terms with the player, whilst there is also interest from Burnley and Everton. In Saudi Arabia, Neom SC are also interested, L’Équipe understands.

However, the most probable destination has looked to be Villarreal, and according to RMC Sport, a deal with the La Liga side is nearing. As per the publication, an agreement between the two clubs is drawing closer. That deal will be worth around €30m. Mikautadze himself has already agreed on a long-term contract with the Spanish side.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle