By Phil Jennings
VILLA are reported to have ‘serious’ interest in Baptiste Santamaria of French Ligue 1 side Angers.
Promotion to the Premier League has seen Villa linked with a string of players in England and Europe.
But major French outlet L’Equipe says Santamaria is on Villa’s checklist.
He is valued at around £5-7million with Angers looking to raise funds for new players.
West Ham and Fiorentina are also said to be interested in the 24-year-old defensive midfielder.
The link could have legs with Villa releasing Glenn Whelan this week.
Santamaria’s contract has another three years to run and he made 40 appearances for Angers last season.
The six foot Frenchman signed for Angers three years ago from Tours. However, fans will be wary as Villa have signed players from Ligue 1 before, only to see them fail to adapt in England.
Villa Roar 