Aly Cissokho: Aston Villa close to agreeing a fee

Sky sources understand Aston Villa are close to agreeing a fee for the permanent transfer of Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho.

The 26-year-old spent last season on-loan at Liverpool where he registered 19 appearances in all competitions for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

The former Lyon defender joined Valencia in 2012 in a deal thought to be worth around £6m having previously turned out for Portuguese sides Porto and Vitoria Setubal.

Cissokho has made one international appearance for France, playing against Norway under former national team manager Laurent Blanc in 2011.

If Cissokho signs he would become the fourth player signed by Villa manager Paul Lambert this window, following the arrivals of Joe Cole, Phillipe Senderos and Kieran Richardson.