French midfielder targets Villa move

Former French Under-21 international Mathieu Berson is desperate for a move to Aston Villa, according to the player’s agent.

The 24-year-old today starts pre-season training with his current club Nantes but he is understood to be keen on making the switch to Villa Park.

“Berson wants to come to Villa, but the two clubs cannot agree a fee,” his agent Olivier Jouanneaux told the club’s official website, www.avfc.co.uk.

“He is back in training with Nantes on Monday but he has made it clear to them that he wants to join Aston Villa.

"It is obvious that he will leave at some point as he only has 12 months left on his contract. He could go anywhere when his contract runs out, but his goal is to play for Aston Villa.”