Aston Villa are said to be in talks with RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucouré as their summer recruitment drive intensifies, according to Goal.com [via Birmingham Live].

The Mali midfielder enjoyed a commendable 2020/21 campaign as he registered five goal contributions in 35 appearances, with four goals and one assist [Transfermarkt].

He could now be set for a move to England following recent reports. The Villains are believed to have commenced discussions over a possible deal, with Lens holding out for around €15m (£12.7m) before considering selling one of their prize assets [Goal.com, via Birmingham Live].

Dean Smith has already sanctioned deals for five players in the form of Axel Tuanzebe, Leon Bailey, Emiliano Buendia, Ashley Young and Danny Ings in this transfer window [Transfermarkt].

In light of recent developments about Doucouré, plenty of Aston Villa diehards took to Twitter to discuss the update on the 21-year-old, who won more tackles per game last season (2.6) than anyone in Smith's squad, which suggests that he could add plenty of steel to the Villans' midfield.

Aston Villa fans react

Replying to popular Aston Villa fan outlet villareport on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the Doucouré situation, with one supporter describing him as "super highly rated":

"Pleaseeeee"

"I’m on my knees. Please Villa."

Credit: @GjamieJ
"Sounds perfect, what we need. 'His concentration and defensive awareness to proactively disrupt the opposition and retain possession in a simple but highly effective manner make him an incredibly underrated talent emerging from France.'"
Credit: @MerseMagic
"81 appearances and 5 goals at the age of 21? Looks like a decent buy to me"
Credit: @jackMalin
"Announce league title"
"Super highly rated. Good young player to bring in and let him develop"
Credit: @CDG5805
In other news, many Aston Villa fans react to this reported plan from Dean Smith