Southampton and Aston Villa reportedly in hunt for Nantes midfielder Rongier

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Premier League sides Aston Villa and Southampton are in the chase to land Nantes midfielder Valentin Rongier this summer, according to French outlet Le Quotidien du Foot.

They report that there is substantial interest in the 24-year-old midfielder, with Champions League club Lyon viewing him as the ideal replacement for Tanguy Ndombele.

Ndombele remains a Lyon player for now, but TMW reported in December that he has a 80 million euro (£70.8 million) asking price and is one of the most sought-after talents in Europe.

So Villa are reportedly battling with a side who can offer Champions League football and could well be armed with a substantial war-chest to boot.

That makes it an ambitious swoop, but also underlines the calibre of player Dean Smith has in his sights to put alongside Jack Grealish and John McGinn in the centre of the park.

Rongier netted four goals for Nantes last season and can play in a range of central midfield roles, from sitting deep and running the game through to a more advanced number 10 role.

Villa’s recruitment will be absolutely vital to their chances of survival next season and beating Lyon to Rongier would be a serious coup.

Perhaps it’s in Villa’s interests that Ndombele stays put this summer – giving them the best possible chance of making this swoop.