Aston Villa 'hoping to sign Mathieu Debuchy'

Aston Villa manager Remi Garde is reportedly targeting a loan move for Arsenal's wantaway defender Mathieu Debuchy this month to assist in their unlikely battle to avoid relegation.

Having made just two appearances for the Gunners this season, the 30-year-old has told manager Arsene Wenger that he wants to leave the Emirates this transfer window in order to boost his chances of being selected for France's Euro 2016 squad.

According to The Sun, Garde is hoping to convince his compatriot that a move to Villa Park would be the most beneficial for his cause, with the guarantee of regular playing time in the second half of the campaign.

Debuchy is said to prefer a switch to Ligue 1 but his £60,000-a-week salary could only be met by leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who have no need for his services.

Villa are currently rock bottom of the Premier League, a seemingly insurmountable 11 points from safety with 18 games remaining.