Exclusive: Aston Villa Make Move for Monaco Star Maghnes Akliouche in £50m Swoop

Aston Villa have made enquiries about trying to sign Monaco and France international attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The highly-rated 23-year-old winger has been starring for Monaco in France’s top-flight this season.

And our sources have learnt that Villa, who are flying high in third place in the Premier League after an impressive start to the season, have been keeping tabs on the player for some time.

Akliouche, capped three times by his country, was heavily-linked with a move away from the Ligue 1 club in this summer.

But the former Franch youth international resisted temptation to leave and has been enjoying his fifth season with the club.

Manchester City and Spanish giants Barcelona are just two of the clubs who have been rumoured to be interested in Akliouche’s signature, but we have discovered Villa are now trying to price the Frenchman away from the Stade Louis.

Monaco and Aston Villa are clearly worlds apart, but our sources have learnt that Akliouche would love the chance to test himself in the Premier League.

Aston Villa are also exploring the option of paying a penalty fee to cancel their obligation-to-buy clause for Harvey Elliott, with the intention of sending the midfielder back to Liverpool in January.

PRIZED ASSET

But Villa know they would likely have to part with between £40-50million to entice Monaco to sell one of their most prized assets.

Akliocuhe is looking forward to competing for his country at next year’s World Cup after an impressive unbeaten qualifying run.

And he received glowing praise from France boss Didier Deschamps for his contributions for the national team, someone who believes Akilouche can only get better.

“He has moved up a notch to be more decisive,” said Deschamps.

Akilouche’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed to Villa boss Unai Emery, who has been impressed with the player’s growing stature, especially the past six months.

Villa are actively looking to sign new players when the transfer window opens next month – and Akilouche is understood to be high on their hit-list.