Report: Aston Villa edging closer to deal for Aly Cissokho

Aston Villa have reportedly moved closer to securing the services of Valencia defender Aly Cissokho.

The 26-year-old made 19 appearances in a loan spell at Liverpool last season before returning to Spain, and his availability is believed to have attracted the interest of Villa manager Paul Lambert.

According to Sky Sports News, the club are locked in negotiations with Valencia, and are close to agreeing a fee for Cissokho.

Valencia signed Cissokho from Lyon in 2012 for a reported £6m, but it remains unclear whether the club will recoup most of the money they paid for the Frenchman.