Aston Villa have agreed a deal with Ligue1 side Lyon for the services of Bertrand Traore, the one-time Chelsea forward.
Traore was the player at the centre of controversy when it was deemed the club had illegally recruited the player and ultimately would lead to a transfer ban for the club.
Ironically the link and the player leaning towards a move to the midlands club, could tie in with the presence of Villa assistant manager John Terry, who the player knows from his time at the club.
The news comes in the wake of speculation surrounding the imminent arrival of Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal, with the Argentinian goalkeeper expected to make a £20m switch from Arsenal.
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Villa have been far from quiet ahead of the new campaign and in an apparent effort to avoid some of the relegation threat that clouded last season, have signed Ollie Watkins from Brentford, in a deal that will cost Villa £28M, making him the clubs record signing; a deal that could in fact rise to a potential £33M when add-ons are borne in mind.
The 24-year-old was signed following Dean Smith's acquisition of Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest, for £16M.
The 23-year-old signed in an attempt to bolster Villa's defensive options as they try to avoid a repeat of last seasons leaky defence.
Smith said of Cash on securing his signature that the club were: "Delighted to welcome Matty to Villa and believe we have secured one of England’s brightest young prospects.
"He has an excellent playing record for a young player and we believe he will settle in easily and continue his rapid development into a top full-back."
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