Aston Villa are interested in AS Roma striker Gregoire Defrel, according to Il Messaggero, via Sportslens.
The Frenchman spent last season on loan with Sampdoria and is seemingly surplus to requirements at Roma, with Dean Smith hoping to take advantage and bring him to England.
Villa are set to face competition from Serie A club Cagliari for his signature.
Defrel started 28 games across all competitions for Sampdoria last season, coming off the bench 11 times, scoring 11 goals and assisting thrice.
WhoScored have cited his main strengths as being holding onto the ball, finishing, passing and defensive contributions, while crossing is a weakness.
The traits mentioned as his strong points can help make him a true leader of the Aston Villa attacking line – especially as his hold up play and passing could help bring wingers such as new boys Jota and Trezeguet into the game.
Though if they are only going to play using one striker, Villa may want to have somebody who wins more than 0.6 aerial duels per game. And with Smith using the 4-1-4-1 formation 18 times last season (also per WhoScored), that would not be a surprise.
Still, Defrel could be a good option for Villa, as he is a goal getter, which is an important type of player to have in any league – especially so in the top ones.
And he could be available at a cut-price due to his current situation at Roma.
Aston Villa fans, would Defrel be a decent signing? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
