According to the Daily Mail’s Chief Football Reporter Sami Mokbel (via GiveMeSport), Aston Villa transfer target Yves Bissouma has ‘top-six capabilities’ and may prefer to sign for ‘a club slightly higher up the Premier League echelon’ than Steven Gerrard's side.

The Lowdown: Vast interest in Bissouma

Sky Sports have reported that Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are all looking for players of Bissouma’s profile, so the Mali international was in no rush to leave Brighton for Aston Villa in January, instead wishing to assess his options in the summer.

In the January transfer window, it was said that the midfielder was valued north of £40m and potentially at as much as £50m, so it would have taken a huge bid for Villa to secure the player’s services midway through the season. However, the 25-year-old has less than 18 months left on his contract at the Amex Stadium, so if Brighton are looking to offload him for a hefty profit, they will need to do so in the summer.

The Latest: Mokbel makes Bissouma claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Mokbel has lauded the Brighton midfielder, proclaiming: “He’s a fantastic footballer, and he adds drive. Every time I’ve seen him play, I’ve been impressed with Bissouma.”

However, the journalist further weighed in on the rumours linking the midfielder with Aston Villa, saying: “I certainly think he’s got top-six capabilities, and I just wonder if he will try and hold out for something, with all due respect to Villa, I just wonder if he’ll try and hold out and maybe see if he can get a club slightly higher up the Premier League echelon.”

The Verdict: Villa’s ambition

The arrival of Steven Gerrard as manager, along with Villa’s incredible investment, have faciliated the signings of Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne, Danny Ings and Philippe Coutinho.

This illustrates the ambition of the Midlands club, and it could convince the Brighton player to join an up-and-coming project as a marquee signing, instead of signing for a top-six club where he may not be guaranteed a place in the starting XI.

Described by Sussex Live's Brighton reporter Richie Mills as a ‘colossus on the pitch’, it is easy to see why so many clubs are interested in Bissouma ahead of the summer. Therefore, it could be a tough battle for Gerrard and co to get the deal over the line.

In other news: Gabby Agbonlahor thinks Aston Villa could cash in on one first-team regular