Thursday 2 July 2015 16:41, UK
Aston Villa are closing in on the £9m signing of Lille midfielder Idrissa Gueye, but who exactly is the Senegalese?
Profile
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: Senegalese (23 senior caps)
What’s the latest?
Lille have accepted a £9m offer from Villa for the defensive midfielder, according to Sky sources.
Gueye, whom British newspapers have also linked with Southampton, flew into the Midlands on Thursday for talks and a medical.
If the deal is completed, he will become manager Tim Sherwood's third summer signing following the arrivals of Micah Richards and Scott Sinclair from Manchester City, and would represent Villa's biggest outlay on a player since they signed Charles N'Zogbia from Wigan for £9m.
Marseille reportedly had a £7.5m bid for Gueye accepted just days ago but the player has seemingly long been keen on a move to England - even if another Premier League team was on his mind.
"Everyone knows that England has a league that attracts me," said Gueye, speaking to the Ligue 1 show in France back in March.
"Joining Manchester United would be a dream. I've always supported them. I adore them."
Background
Geuye joined the Lille academy in 2008 from Diambars in his native Senegal. The combative midfielder has gone on to make over 130 appearances for Lille, playing a role in the club's league and cup double in 2011.
Following the departures of Yohan Cabaye and Eden Hazard, Gueye has become an integral part of the first team, representing the club in both the Champions and Europa League.
Strengths
Gueye is predominantly a defensive midfielder; a strong ball-winner who will protect the defence. His high work rate would fit well with Tim Sherwood’s pressing mentality and desire to put pressure on the opposition.
In recent years, the Senegal international has been deployed in a more attacking role, last year contributing four goals. At 5ft 7in, his stature is similar to that of Chelsea’s Ramires and, like the Brazilian, Gueye will look to win the ball and play short passes to start an attack.
Expert opinion
Former Senegal head coach Alan Giresse was full of praise for the midfielder, declaring him "as good as Jean Tigana."
“Gueye has stature, he has a good sense of anticipation and responds quickly," Giresse said. "He is precise in his use of the ball and has started to add goals to his game too.
“In the dressing room, he is quiet and discreet, he has a good state of mind, he is a competitor.”
Former Aston Villa midfielder Ian Taylor has been quick to welcome the player to Villa Park.
Taylor tweeted: "#Gueye looks decent. Can dribble and has pace and can score. All action midfielder. Hope he can settle quickly if he signs. #AVFC"
