Aston Villa could move for Hossem Aouar, but may face stiff competition from elsewhere, Pete O'Rourke has claimed.

What's the word?

The Lyon midfielder could yet move with just hours remaining of the transfer window, and the Premier League could be a possible destination.

The 24-year-old could be a fine addition to the Villa midfield, after Unai Emery failed in a pursuit to reunite with Marseille's Matteo Guendouzi at Villa Park.

Speaking to Football FanCast, O'Rourke explained that clubs in England and Spain are chasing the Frenchman.

"There is a lot of competition for signatures as well from teams from abroad, a lot of Spanish teams looking at Hossem Aouar as well. If Villa could get that deal done, it could be a really good signing," he stated.

A statement signing

Aouar was once a very highly coveted midfielder, with Arsenal nearly agreeing a deal in 2020 following Lyon's historic run to the Champions League semi-finals, and it would be a coup if Villa can land him over the other interested parties.

A versatile attacking midfielder also capable of playing on the wings, he could slot straight into the Villa team upon arrival, and would also be a player who the club can build the team around for the future.

He scored eight times and provided four assists in 45 games last season, and was once heavily praised by Pep Guardiola following a Champions League matcha against Manchester City.

"Aouar is also excellent. He's always very calm with the ball at his feet, with an excellent technical quality," he stated.

They do not have long left in the window, but if Villa can pull the signing off, they could be fully set for a strong second half of the season.