Championship rivals Aston Villa and Leeds United are both interested in signing out of contract Brentford defender Yoann Barbet. 

The 26-year-old is set to be in high demand this summer, and Dean Smith would assume he has the upper hand in the race to land Barbet following their time working together at Griffin Park.

However, according to French news outlet L'Equipe, Leeds have now emerged as serious contenders to sign Barbet ahead of the Villans, as Marcelo Bielsa seemingly plots a path to get the Whites up into the Premier League at his second attempt.

Barbet has been a regular for the Bees over the past few seasons and can slot in at both centre half and left back, something which could prove vital for either club as they look to add versatility and depth to their ranks.

[ad_pod ]

Villa of course could well find themselves back in the Premier League, and would no doubt see Barbet as the ideal free transfer to come into the club and make a difference without the club suffering any sort of financial loss.

Leeds though remain an interesting prospect for any player, and Barbet might well be tempted to play under Marcelo Bielsa followig his success at Elland Road this season.

The Verdict

Wow, this could be a battle and a half if both clubs are serious about landing Barbet

The Brentford man has been excellent and it is easy to see why there is interest, and he'd be a shrewd signing for anyone interested in his signature.

Both Villa and Leeds could do with additions at the back, making Barbet a perfect signing.