Aston Villa's season had barely ended at Manchester City on Sunday when boss Steven Gerrard already started discussing his plans for next season and his hopes for signings.
Gerrard hinted post match a deal was close and today Aston Villa have already confirmed one signing ahead of a busy summer window. Gerrard is looking to strengthen the spine of his side with a new striker, midfielder and defender on his wish list using funds from the club's wealthy billionaire owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.
And he can already cross buying a holding midfielder off his list after making an early move to strengthen the key position which was underlined by Marvelous Nakamba's injury.
Villa buy new Kar
Villa have confirmed the singing of Boubacar Kamara on a five-year contract after he left Marseille on a free transfer.
The 22-year-old, who has just won his first call-up to the France national team after a fantastic season, will join Villa following the expiry of his contract with the French club.
Kamara came through the youth ranks at Marseille and played a key role in this season’s Ligue 1 campaign for the runners-up, who also enjoyed a run to the Europa League semi-finals. Gerrard said: “I am delighted that we have been able to attract one of the most promising young talents in European football. We have a very clear plan to make our team stronger and Bouba is an important part of that.”
Kamara said: “When I met with Steven, Christian (Purslow, the CEO) and Johan (Lange, sporting director) in my home I knew Aston Villa was for me. Their ambition and determination to succeed matches my own. I cannot wait for pre-season to get going.”
Have Your Say! Who should Villa target next? Join the debate here.
Villa learn fee for Germany-based defender
Villa are one of several Premier League clubs to be linked with VfL Wolfsburg stopper Maxence Lacroix, aged 22.
Lacroix's original deal was set to expire in 2024 until Wolfsburg restructured and extended the defender's stay at the club until 2025 with improved terms last September. But the new deal does include a release clause in the region of £34million which is set to become active this summer, according to Sky Germany.
Gerrard linked with old boy at Rangers
Villa are reportedly keen to sign Rangers defender Calvin Bassey and face competition from Premier League rivals for his signature.
Bassey, 22, was signed for the Scottish side when Steven Gerrard was in charge before he moved to Villa in November. Since leaving Leicester, the Nigerian international has made 64 appearances and has played a key part in Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side this term with 52 appearances.
Villa scouts were due to be in attendance at Hampden at the weekend to watch Rangers' win the Scottish Cup final against Hearts. But Villa are to reportedly face stiff competition for the defender's signature, with five Premier League rivals and two Serie A clubs interested in luring Bassey away from Scotland. Newly-promoted Fulham are monitoring the situation, alongside Wolv es and Brentford.
