Report: Aston Villa eye cut-price Sissoko

Aston Villa have reportedly identified Toulouse star Moussa Sissoko as the man to bolster their midfield.

The 23-year-old's contract with the Ligue 1 outfit expires at the end of the season and he could be available for a reduced fee of £3m in January.

Manager Paul Lambert is apparently looking to fill the midfield void left by captain Stiliyan Petrov, who is currently in remission after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia last March.

Sunderland are also thought to be interested in the France international, but the Villa manager is ready to beat the Black Cats to his signature, according to The Metro.

Sissoko has made 99 appearances for Toulouse, scoring eight times.