Aston Villa are 'already in the lead' as they aim to welcome Brighton & Hove Albion star Yves Bissouma to Villa Park despite interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Steven Gerrard took over as the Midlands giants' head coach last November and, ahead of his first full season at the helm, has been busy looking to bolster his squad.
What's the latest news involving Bissouma?
It is understood that Villa are pressing ahead in their attempts to lure Bissouma to the club despite already completing the signing of fellow defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara.
Kamara will head to the Premier League for the first time when his Marseille contract expires in a matter of weeks.
But Bissouma has been a long-term target for Gerrard, with him admitting that a January bid was turned down.
Although Brighton were seeking £50million during the winter window, they are unlikely to secure that figure this time around as the 25-year-old is set to enter the final 12 months of his £29,000-per-week deal at the Amex Stadium.
The precarious contract situation has led to additional interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and West Ham United.
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What has Dean Jones said about Bissouma?
Jones has hinted that Villa are in pole position to sign Bissouma despite him also having suitors in the capital.
The transfer insider feels Tottenham may be thwarted in their attempts to land the Brighton man.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "They'll have massive competition to sign Bissouma and it seems that he's probably further along in negotiations with other clubs.
"Somebody like Aston Villa might already be in the lead with trying to get him."
Why is Bissouma a target for Villa?
Brighton are believed to have forked out £15million when they signed Bissouma from Lille close to four years ago, and that now looks like a snip.
He has gone on to become one of the first names on the team-sheet at the Amex Stadium, making 124 appearances.
The 19-cap Mali international has also secured plenty of Premier League experience thanks to his time with Brighton, featuring in the competition on 112 occasions.
Gerrard has previously spoken about his desire to lead Villa back into European football and, although Bissouma has not been able to experience that during his career barring a 14-minute appearance in a Europa League qualifying clash, the £31.5million-rated star's traits could play a key role in any future success in the Midlands.