Aston Villa manager Remi Garde is said to be weighing up a move for Monaco captain Jeremy Toulalan when the transfer window opens next month.
The 32-year-old defensive midfielder is reportedly high on Garde's wishlist after being told by the Midlands club's owner Randy Lerner that he will have funds available to strengthen in January.
Monaco, who are second in Ligue 1 but 19 points behind runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain, would likely let Toulalan depart for a fee of around £5m, although La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid will challenge Villa for his signature.
The Villans have made their worst start to a Premier League season in their history and sit rock bottom of the table with a return of just seven points from 17 games.
