Premier League rivals Aston Villa are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on the teenager, Valentin Atangana. He is currently contracted to Reims for another three seasons, but Reims may find it difficult to turn down a lucrative financial package from a Premier League club if a concrete offer is made.

Aston Villa have joined the race for Reims' young midfield star Valentin Atangana. The 19-year-old has been earning rave reviews in France and has been called the next N'Golo Kante by the French media. 26 top sides watched him play last week.