Aston Villa have reportedly identified a Strasbourg midfielder as a potential summer transfer target.
The West Midlands outfit are currently focused on trying to secure a place in the Champions League for a second successive season.
If Unai Emery's side better Chelsea's result on Sunday, they will guarantee a top-five spot in the Premier League table, yet club officials are allegedly also having to give consideration to their immediate transfer activity.
At a time when it has been claimed that Villa may have to make a significant sale before June 30 to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is among those who have been linked with an exit from the club.
Nevertheless, according to The Sun, Villa are already aware of players who they may target once the market re-opens in June.
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Diarra on Villa radar?
The report suggests that Villa are ready to up their interest in trying to acquire the services of Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra.
A total of four goals and five assists have been contributed from his 30 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, helping his side finish in seventh-placed in the table.
With Diarra capable of playing across the midfield and on the flanks, the 21-year-old's versatility could prove to be a huge asset for Emery.
Villa are said to be ready to make a £25m approach for a player who holds a contract until 2028, Strasbourg potentially open to cashing in on someone who came through their youth setup.
However, it remains to be seen whether owners BlueCo will be prepared to sell the Senegal international to a Premier League rival of Chelsea.
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Conflicting interests?
Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital own both Chelsea and Strasbourg, and it has become apparent that players may represent the French club before moving to Stamford Bridge, or vice versa.
At the age of 21, Diarra fits the profile that Chelsea usually target, with his progression under Liam Rosenior realistically putting his name into conversations behind the scenes.
Furthermore, Strasbourg are also on the cusp of securing a return to European football; if Paris Saint-Germain beat Reims in the Coupe de France final on Saturday, they are in line to feature in the Conference League playoffs.
Should that be the case, BlueCo may wish to keep as much of their current squad together as possible, further stacking the deck against Villa if they retain an interest in Diarra.
Darren Plant
