Report reveals Steven Gerrard scouting mission to watch Atletico star with Villa ‘confident’ of deal
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is understood to travelled to Spain during the week to watch Atletico Madrid midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia against Manchester City.
A report from BirminghamLive claims that Gerrard was in the stands to watch the feisty Champions League encounter, which City won on aggregate to book their place in the semi-finals.
Gerrard is said to have pinpointed the defensive midfield role as one which needs improving, especially after Marvelous Nakamba’s spell on the sidelines after he suffered an injury in December.
BirminghamLive adds that Kondogbia is a ‘serious target’ for Gerrard and that Villa are ‘very confident’ of securing his signature.
The 29-year-old played the full 90 minutes in the game against City and would likely have impressed Gerrard.
Kondogbia recorded 58 touches, 23 pressures, two tackles, three progressive passes and led the side in progressive passes (5) and recoveries with 16.
Across the course of the season he has averaged 19 pressures per game. He also has just under four tackles, three interceptions and two clearances.
Kondogbia is currently contracted at Atletico until 2024, with his transfermarkt value at just £13.5 million.
Tottenham also keen on Kondogbia
Villa are not the only Premier League keen on a move for the player, however.
Tottenham are known to be long-time admirers of the disruptive ace and tried to sign him at Valencia. However, they got a shock when they were told it would cost them £70m to activate his buyout clause.
Villa do not have a game this weekend after their scheduled clash with Liverpool was postponed. The Reds are facing Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.
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