The £9m-rated defender has also been a target for Arsenal

Aston Villa hold further talks with Nice over Jordan Amavi

Aston Villa are stepping up their pursuit of Nice left-back Jordan Amavi.

The 21-year-old has been a target for Arsenal in recent months and is valued at £9m by his club. Villa have made an offer and further talks are expected on Wednesday.

Born in Toulon, Amavi is a France Under 21 international and is expected to break into the full squad ahead of next summer's European Championships.

Amavi has spent his entire career at Nice and risen through the ranks of at the club on France's south coast, and he was also capped internationally at U18 and U20 level.

Aston Villa have stepped up their pursuit of Nice's £9m defender Jordan Amavi

Aston Villa's new signing from Lille, Idrissa Gueye, is still awaiting his work permit ahead of a £9m move

Midfielder Idrissa Gueye, meanwhile, is awaiting a work permit ahead of confirmation of his arrival from Lille for £9m.

The Senegalese star would become Villa's third signing of the summer behind Scott Sinclair and Micah Richards.