Aston Villa target Yves Bissouma has ‘got top-six capabilities’ amid increased speculation over the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder’s future, according to journalist Sami Mokbel.

The highly-rated 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from the Amex Stadium in the recently concluded January transfer window but ended up staying put.

What is the latest news involving Bissouma?

According to Sky Sports, Premier League heavyweights Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are all looking for players of Bissouma’s profile.

A report from The Athletic also confirmed Villa’s interest in the Mali international, with Brighton expected to demand around £50 million for their prized asset.

Bissouma only has 18 months left on his current contract, meaning the Seagulls may be forced to sell him in the summer or risk losing him on a free transfer a year later.

Despite the admiring glances of the top-flights ‘Big Six’ clubs, BirminghamLive reporter Ashley Preece believes ‘a lot can change’ at the top teams in a short space of time, and that Villa will give the deal a ‘right good go’.

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The former Lille maestro has cultivated an enviable reputation on the pitch since arriving from Lille back in 2018, making 111 appearances for the south coast club in all competitions.

As per FBref.com, Bissouma has ranked in the 94^th percentile for tackles, 88^th for interceptions and 86^th for pass competition over the last year compared to players in his position.

What has Mokbel said about Bissouma?

Mokbel is also amongst Bissouma’s admirers, and lauded the ‘fantastic’ engine room operator before questioning whether he might hold out for a more lucrative move than one to Villa Park.

He told GiveMeSport: “He's a fantastic footballer, and he adds drive. Every time I've seen him play, I've been impressed with Bissouma.

“I certainly think he's got top-six capabilities, and I just wonder if he will try and hold out for something, with all due respect to Villa, I just wonder if he’ll try and hold out and maybe see if he can get a club slightly higher up the Premier League echelon.”

Do Villa need another defensive midfielder?

Although Bissouma would surely be seen by many of the club’s supporters as a significant coup and another display of the owner’s ambition, it’s arguable that Villa are not in need of another defensive midfielder.

Current options Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba has both put in some eye-catching displays over the last couple of campaigns, racking up FotMob season ratings of 7.30 and 6.80 for 2021/22, respectively.

Therefore, Steven Gerrard may be better off splashing his transfer budget on areas of the squad that are more in need of improvement.