Aston Villa are at the front of the queue in the race to sign Samuel Yohou on a free transfer, according to Sporting Life.

A trio of Championship clubs are looking to sign Yohou this summer, although Aston Villa are leading the chase.

Aston Villa are likely to be restricted mainly to just loan deals and free transfers this summer amid a financial crisis at the club which has already seen John Terry depart.

Terry's absence at centre-half has left a major void to be filled and that has not been helped by news that Christopher Samba has not been offered a new deal and James Chester is a target for several sides.

With their options in central defence looking slim, Yohou has been lined up as a target on a free transfer.

The former Ivory Coast youth international is available as a free agent after leaving Paris FC, who play in the second tier of French football.

The 6ft 3in defender played 22 games for Paris in Ligue 2 last season, scoring once and also grabbing an assist.

Yohou is now set to test himself abroad after impressing for AS Beziers and Paris in France.

The Verdict

Aston Villa desperately need some reinforcements at the back because they will be left with just Tommy Elphick if Chester departs.

Yohou would be a risk as he does not know the English league but at 6ft 3in, he is not going to struggle to cope with the physicality in the division.

The 26-year-old has been a top performer in the French lower leagues and could prove to be an astute signing on a free, provided Aston Villa have done their research and are not just considering him because he is cheap.

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