Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Sparta Rotterdam midfielder Abdou Harroui, as reported by TuttoMercatoWeb.

The Lowdown: Harroui profiled

Harroui is 23 years of age and has been with his current employers since 2018, making 103 appearances, scoring 18 times and registering 13 assists.

Capable of playing as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder or on the right, he has also made 13 appearances for Netherlands at under-21 level.

He appears to be at the top of his game with his career-high £3.15m Transfermarkt valuation, and it seems as if Villa are keen on his services.

TuttoMercatoWeb shared a story on Saturday claiming that Harroui is ready to leave Sparta Rotterdam.

The report added that Villa are ‘strong’ on the player, with a significant development possible over the weekend.

The Verdict: A shrewd signing?

Harroui has plenty of experience and is only just 23 years of age, so a late summer move could be a shrewd piece of business by Villa.

He is also into the final 12 months of his contract, so there could be a chance that Villa may sign him for less than his Transfermarkt valuation.

Villa missed out on long-term target James Ward-Prowse from Southampton after he signed a new deal at St Mary's, so bringing in Harroui instead could be a smart move, both financially and in the long run in regards to the Dutchman's development.

In other news: Source shares reason for 'unsung hero' leaving Villa Park.