Aston Villa must land Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in the summer transfer window amid Lee Hendrie's verdict.

What's the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Bissouma could be on his way out of the Seagulls this summer, with interested sides having to pay at least £40m to lure him away from the south coast.

And, speaking exclusively to FFC about Bissouma, former Villa ace Hendrie has suggested Dean Smith's side should be in the conversation to sign him, and praised the midfielder for his ability.

He said: "I did a chat with myself and Paul Merson on Soccer Saturday a few weeks ago talking about Bissouma, and we highlighted what he actually does. I mean, his stats are absolutely phenomenal, the way he breaks the game up, his forward play.

"He's got a good football brain. Like I said, when you've got someone who breaks the game up so well and can go join in and play, I'm inviting players like that to the football club."

Gary Lineker loves him

Described as "very skilful", former England striker and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker is seemingly a big fan of the powerhouse, hailing him as an "exceptional footballer" after a superb display against Everton just last month.

His teammate at Brighton, Dale Stephens, said: "He's got the ability of perhaps a winger playing in central midfield with the way he can go past players. His feet are incredible and I'm sure he's going to get better and better. He's got everything you need to be a top player."

Bissouma has previously been described as a "wonderful talent" by ex-Seagulls boss Chris Hughton, and when you look at his stats, it's clear to see why he's such hot property.

As per Whoscored, the Mali international averages just shy of three tackles per game in the Premier League (2.9), while he also makes 1.8 interceptions too - compare that to those in the Villa squad, and he's simply far better, with absolutely no-one matching him in the tackling category, and only Matty Cash topping him for interceptions.

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With his time in the Premier League, Bissouma would offer Smith the ready-made proven option that can hit the ground running at Villa Park, and it's exactly why the club should be looking to muscle their way into the race to sign him this summer.

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