Having been linked to Rennes captain Kader Mangane yesterday, Villa have been touted with an interest in his fellow centre back and compatriot Pape Diakhate, according to reports in France. The 26-year-old is currently plying his trade in the Houllier’s homeland having joined the Villa boss’ former employers Lyon on loan from Russian side Dynamo Kiev. TalkSport claim that his capability at both centre and left back have drawn Villa’s interest, along with the fact that he speaks the language. Alongside fellow target Mangane, Diakhate has played 28 times for Senegal, scoring once though it is doubtful that Villa’s Senegalese national Habib Beye would put in a good word for the manager! The defender has played 28 times for the French giant this season, netting once. The Ligue 1 club have kept just 4 clean sheets in his 20 league starts as they have fallen down the pecking order in France though Diakhate has impressed in his time and is believed to be on the radar of a number of clubs around Europe.
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