Aston Villa in talks with Marseille over £15m midfielder Morgan Sanson

Aston Villa are hoping to sign Marseille midfielder Morgan Sanson in a deal worth around £15 million.

Villa are in talks to bring in the French midfielder for a move to the Premier League as they prepare to allow Conor Hourihane, the Republic of Ireland international, to leave.

Sanson is available for transfer as Marseille's finances have taken a substantial hit from Covid-19, and Villa are keen to tie up a deal before the January transfer window closes.

It is understood Marseille were seeking up to £30 million in the summer, but that price has now come down.

The 26-year-old has been with Marseille since January 2017 and attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs in recent years, but Villa have made their move and are confident of securing a deal.

Dean Smith, who was named manager of the month for December last week, is considering loaning out Hourihane but is keen to make sure he signs another midfielder first.

Hourihane is a loan target for a number of Championship clubs, including promotion chasers Swansea City and Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, Villa's squad returned to their Bodymoor Heath training ground on Sunday following the severe outbreak of Covid-19.

Nine players and five members of staff tested positive for the virus, with the league games against Tottenham and Everton postponed.

Villa have tested all their players again and anyone who tests positive will not be permitted into the training ground.

Smith's squad returns to action on Wednesday with a trip to Manchester City.