Aston Villa have confirmed that they will complete the signing of France Under-21 international Yacouba Sylla on transfer deadline day.
The deal for the Clermont Foot defensive midfielder has been reported as being worth around £2 million and would be Paul Lambert’s first signing of the January window.
The Premier League outfit confirmed that an agreement is in place via their official Twitter feed, writing: “Yacouba Sylla’s signing from French club Clermont Foot will be completed this afternoon. #AVFC”
The 22-year-old, who had also been linked with QPR, Fulham, Stuttgart and Udinese, has made 20 starts from the French Ligue 2 side this season.
The move comes after Newcastle secured the signature of a different central midfielder, Moussa Sissoko, who Villa were rumoured to be interested in.
The 6ft player, who has one U-21 cap for Les Bleus, should be able to provide some protection to Lambert’s young defence, which has received criticism this season.
The Villans will hope the new signing can provide a boost ahead of their trip to Everton on Saturday, after some poor form has seen them exit the FA Cup and Capital One Cup at the hands of lower-league opposition, while they also occupy a relegation spot in the league table.