Aston Villa could sign an exciting upgrade on Marvelous Nakamba in Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure.

What's the story?

According to Goal France journalist Marc Mechenoua, both Villa and Serie A club Atalanta have reached out to the 21-year-old's representatives over a move this summer.

It's added that the two clubs are keeping tabs on the Mali international, although a formal offer for the midfield dynamo has yet to be made from either of the prospective suitors.

Far better than Nakamba

Last month, the The Daily Mail reported that both Everton and Crystal Palace are interested in signing Nakamba before the transfer window closes.

If the Zimbabwe international were to leave, or indeed if he stays put, Dean Smith could land a real upgrade on him in Doucoure.

As per WhoScored, the Lens ace averaged an impressive 2.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in Ligue 1 last season, which is far better than Nakamba's 1.9 and 1.3 per match in the Premier League respectively.

It's not just defensively that Doucoure appears to be much better, also boasting more shots, key passes and dribbles per match than the Villa midfielder, and averaging a greater number of passes at a better accuracy as well.

In a profile piece done by SempreMilan, the £12.7m-rated powerhouse is said to be a: "midfielder (who) never backs down from a duel and is completely fearless. He’s strong, smart, and is a brilliant reader of his opponents.

"He has the eye to anticipate and shut down some attacks before they have even started, which is backed up by his great record of interceptions, and he will hunt his opponent down like a hungry terrier if they get past him."

Given his age, and the numbers suggesting that he is better than Nakamba in many key areas, Doucoure looks like the kind of player Smith should be seeking to bring in at Villa Park this summer.

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