Aston Villa are close to making the Nice forward Evann Guessand their first major summer signing. Villa have agreed a package worth €35m (£30.5m) for the Ivory Coast international.
Villa have scheduled a medical for Guessand on Wednesday and plan to sign the 24-year-old to a long-term contract. The France-born player scored 12 goals in 32 appearances in Ligue 1 last season and scored his first international goal in March.
His arrival would be a boost to Unai Emery’s attacking options, with Ollie Watkins the only bona fide striker in the Villa squad. Like Donyell Malen, Guessand’s versatility makes him an attraction option for Villa.
Villa have had to be mindful of profitability and sustainability regulations this summer and their only other first-team signing so far is the experienced goalkeeper Marco Bizot, who was signed as a No 2 from Brest. Zépiqueno Redmond, signed from Feyenoord, could depart on loan.
Uncertainty continues to surround Emiliano Martínez, who is thought to be keen on exploring a fresh challenge. Watkins has been the subject of interest from rivals but Villa do not wish to sell. Villa also want to trim their squad and offload fringe players such as Àlex Moreno and Leander Dendoncker.
Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton has joined Lyon in a £15m deal. The 22-year-old, who came through the academy ranks at Liverpool, had interest from several European and Premier League clubs this summer but opted to pursue more regular first-team football in France. Liverpool have also negotiated a 20% sell-on clause in any future transfer.
The Premier League champions are well stocked in central midfield and Morton’s opportunities may have been further limited next season by the return of Stefan Bajcetic, plus the development of James McConnell and Luca Stephenson.
