French ace on Villa radar

Aston Villa are thought to be weighing up a cut-price bid for forward Yoan Gouffran as Bordeaux look to offload him in January.

The 26-year-old will become a free agent in the summer after reportedly making it clear to his current club that he will not sign a new contract and wishes to move on. Bordeaux are keen to make sure they don't lose one of their star assets for nothing and as such are open to offers, with Villa considering whether to make a bid. While Paul Lambert boosted his attacking options with the signing of Christian Benteke in the summer the adaptability of Gouffran to be able to play out wide or through the middle might persuade the Villa boss to pursue his interest. However, Villa could face competition for the Frenchman's signature from Everton, with Toffees boss David Moyes always on the lookout for a bargain.