Aston Villa have launched a £9million move for Lille midfielder Idrissa Gueye.

The 25-year-old Senegal international was wanted by Southampton as a potential replacement for Morgan Schneiderlin.

Their hopes looked dashed on Monday night when Marseille closed on a deal instead.

Lille midfielder Idrissa Gueye is on Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and West Ham's transfer radar

Aston Villa have launched a £9million move for Gueye (right) as they aim to beat off competition from rivals

However, that triggered a rush of fresh bids on Tuesday from Crystal Palace, West Ham and Southampton again who asked for Gueye to hold off making a decision.

Villa director of recruitment Paddy Reilly though pushed to get a fee agreed last night and Lille are happy as they need to agree to sell the player by today for financial reasons.

Gueye has been described by former France international and Senegal coach Alain Giresse as being 'as good as Jean Tigana'.

Giresse, now coaching Mali, added: 'Gueye has stature, he has a good sense of anticipation and responds quickly. He is precise in his use of the ball and has started to add goals to his game too.

'In the dressing room, he is quiet and discreet, he has a good state of mind, he is a competitor.'

Villa had been considering a move for Esteban Cambiasso from Leicester but that deal is on hold as they attempt to finalise terms with Gueye.