Aston Villa are eyeing Stade Reims goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as a possible replacement for Sam Johnstone but they face competition from Bristol City and Cardiff City, according to a report by Football Insider.

Mendy is on the radar of this Championship trio after an impressive season for Stade Reims in Ligue 2.

The 26-year-old has been in excellent form for Stade Reims, helping them storm to the title in the second tier of French football.

With two games to play, they have a 15-point lead at the top of the Ligue 2 table and they are heading to the top flight next season.

Mendy has played in 31 games this season for Stade Reims, conceding just 19 goals and keeping 17 clean sheets.

Aston Villa are considering the French-born star, who could also represent Guinea-Bissau, as an alternative to Johnstone if they fail to lure the Manchester United goalkeeper back to Villa Park.

Johnstone has been one of Villa's star performers this season but a number of Premier League sides will rival the Villains for his signature and Steve Bruce's side needs to win promotion via the play-offs to have a chance of snapping him up permanently.

Bristol City, meanwhile, are considering alternatives to Frank Fielding while automatic promotion hopefuls Cardiff City could look to upgrade on their current options.

The Verdict

These stats are remarkably good and they are too impressive to ignore. There is no doubt that a number of Ligue 1 clubs will also be aware of the 26-year-old and look to sign him too. But if Villa, Bristol City or Cardiff could snap up the Stade Reims stopper, then they surely have a top goalkeeper - who is coming into the prime of his career - on their books.

Aston Villa, Bristol City and Cardiff fans - Would you like to sign Mendy this summer? Let us know below...