According to France Football, Aston Villa will have to battle Swansea City and Stoke City for the signature of Strasbourg striker Stephane Bahoken in this summer’s transfer window.
What’s the story?
There is no question that Villa will spend big this summer if the club are promoted back to the Premier League, and much of their transfer business will simply depend on whether they are able to rise from the Championship.
Steve Bruce’s side are currently fourth in the division, and they have already secured their spot in the playoffs. Second position behind Wolverhampton Wanderers is still a possibility, although a lot of things would have to fall their way for that to occur.
Villa, who could lose Jack Grealish this summer, are already thinking about next season, however, and according to France Football, the club are desperate to sign Cameroonian forward Bahoken from Strasbourg this summer.
That said, Premier League duo Swansea and Stoke are also being credited with a strong interest in a player who was linked with a transfer to Villa Park in the early stages of 2018.
Would Bahoken be a good signing?
The 25-year-old has scored eight times in 27 appearances for Strasbourg this season – including six goals in 21 Ligue 1 fixtures for the French club.
The forward, who has previously spent time on loan with St Mirren, is also a full Cameroon international having made his international debut last month.
Bahoken’s contract at Strasbourg will expire at the end of the 2017-18 campaign, and it is understood that he is keen to move on amid interest from England.
Swansea and Stoke are both in danger of dropping into the Championship in the final weeks of this season, and Villa will fancy their chances of winning the race for Bahoken’s signature if they manage to gain promotion to the Premier League.
It is certainly a deal to watch over the next few weeks, but so much of Villa’s summer business will depend on whether they can seal a return to the big time.
