Aston Villa remain interested in signing Galatasaray defender Christian Luyindama.

What's the story?

Reports over the summer transfer window suggested that the DR Congo international was a player Dean Smith's side were looking at, but a deal failed to materialise before the end of the deadline.

Now, Turkish publication Sampiy (via Sport Witness) claim that both Villa and fellow Premier League side Everton are closely interested in signing him, with the centre-back having just been put up for transfer for a fee of around €10m (£9m).

The report adds that Galatasaray are just waiting for an official offer to come in so that they can let him go and reinvest the money in their own side.

Lange's second chance

Having missed out on his signing in the summer, Johan Lange has got the perfect chance to ensure Villa don't miss out again by landing Luyindama this time around.

The 6 foot 3 titan has got plenty of experience of playing real top-level football over the years with Galatasaray, competing in both the Champions League and Europa League with the Turkish giants.

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And with reports in recent weeks claiming that Bjorn Engels could be set for a return back to his native Belgium after really falling out of favour under Smith this season - he's made no appearances for Villa whatsoever - a move for Luyindama would offset the loss of the 26-year-old.

If Lange is intent on strengthening Villa's defence and ensuring Smith has got enough options at centre-back particularly after Engels' potential departure, then Luyindama's affordable price and experience makes him a shrewd signing.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa played an absolute blinder by selling this flop...