Aston Villa transfer target Geoffrey Kondogbia looks likely to stay at Atletico Madrid this summer, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.  

The Lowdown: Gerrard scouting trip

Steven Gerrard is making preparations ahead of his first full season in charge in the Midlands, with midfield reinforcements seemingly high on his wish list.

The Villa manager personally made the trip to the Wanda Metropolitano earlier this month to watch Kondogbia in action against Manchester City.

Villa view the 29-year-old as a serious target and the club are thought to be confident of getting a deal over the line, but a worrying update has now emerged.

The Latest: Talbot’s post on Kondogbia

Talbot took to Twitter on Monday to share an update on Kondogbia for TEAMtalk, revealing that it seems probable that the midfielder will stay in Spain unless Villa were to come forward with 'a massive offer'.

The reporter tweeted: “Have been told Geoffrey Kondogbia will likely remain at Atletico Madrid unless Aston Villa come in with a massive offer.”

The Verdict: Kamara is an alternative

Kondogbia isn’t the only midfielder Gerrard has recently watched live, with the Villa manager, Johan Lange and Christian Purslow all looking at Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara.

The 22-year-old is out of contract at the end of June, so Villa may well look to secure his services on a pre-contract agreement after this update on Kondogbia.

Kamara is primarily a defensive midfielder who can also line out at centre-back and is valued at £22.5m, so a free transfer to Villa Park could be a shrewd move given the concerning update from Talbot on Kondogbia.

In other news: Gerrard and Villa chiefs eyeing move for new defender with same agent as four AVFC players