Report claims selling club want bidding war for Aston Villa transfer target

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Aston Villa may have to enter a transfer bidding war for Angers midfielder Baptiste Santamaria, according to reports. 

As reported by L’Equipe (relayed by Sport Witness) earlier this week, Aston Villa have a ‘serious’ interest in the player. 

The Daily Mail then reported that Aston Villa boss Dean Smith was exploring Santamaria as an alternative to number one midfield target, £30 million rated Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips. 

RMC Sport has now reported on Aston Villa’s interest in the player. They claim that Lille are also keen on his services, after losing midfielder Thiago Mendes to Lyon this week. 

Lazio are also keen on the player, who is under contract until 2022. The report also claims that the player is ready to make a move away from Angers this summer, 

Angers, it seems are ready to play ball, but will not be easy negotiators. 

The RMC report claims they are setting no asking price or starting bid for the player. The idea is to start a bidding war between the three clubs involved and hike the price of their prized asset. 

Aston Villa might find themselves having to battle to sign Santamaria. Considering he seems to be a second-rate target, it is unlikely Villa will be breaking their backs to do so.