Aston Villa made checks about signing Al-Ahli holding midfielder Valentin Atangana in the summer transfer window, according to L’Equipe.
The Villains lost Youri Tielemans, and Amadou Onana picked up a long-term injury. The Europa League champions needed additions and monitored the 21-year-old.
Atangana caught Villa’s attention with his solid performances as Al-Ahli won the AFC Champions League title.
He previously made his mark in France, helping Stade de Reims to reach the Coupe de France final.
Atangana would have added more physicality to the middle of the park, particularly in Onana’s absence, but Villa only signed Joao Gomes and Leon Goretzka.
The latter is currently sidelined through injury, and manager Unai Emery could use another body in the engine room.
Villa were not the only Premier League club looking his way, as Nottingham Forest also showed interest in securing his services.
They should keep Atangana on their radar heading into January, particularly if they are still light on numbers in midfield.
His physicality, versatility and ability to win the ball could make him a useful option for Emery as the season develops.
Boubacar Kamara can provide defensive protection in the middle of the park, while Lamare Bogarde has shown that he can also do a solid job in that role when required.
However, Villa may still benefit from adding a more dominant ball-winning presence in midfield.
Atangana could provide that extra bite and physicality, while also offering Emery greater flexibility when rotating his squad.
If injuries continue to affect the midfield or Villa need more steel during the second half of the campaign, he is a player worth revisiting when the winter transfer window opens.
