• Premier League

Villa's Fofana deal in danger

ESPNsoccernet staff
December 31, 2010
Gueida Fofana is the France Under-19 captain © PA Photos
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Manager Gerard Houllier says Aston Villa are now unlikely to sign France Under-19 captain Gueida Fofana from Le Havre.

Fofana has been in Birmingham to talk with the club and it was anticipated that Villa would secure an £800,000 transfer for a player whose contract is up in the summer.

However, Houllier admits Villa are struggling to finalise a deal for the defensive midfielder, who has been linked with a number of English clubs in recent months.

"The Fofana deal is not done and I doubt it will be done," Houllier said. "For the moment, an agreement has not been reached. He's got potential. He's a 19-year-old player, very mature, with a strong personality.

"He was captain of the France side that won the European Under-19 Championships. But I've also young players here already and you've got to have a balance in terms of wages and abilities. It's more likely not to happen."

However, Colorado Rapids striker Omar Cummings appears more likely to make the move to Villa Park.

"The MLS season is finished and Omar will probably be here until March," Houllier said. "He is quick and can also play on the wing and, don't forget, we have not many options up front at this time. I don't think we can say yet when he will be involved. We need a work permit and things like that so we will see. There's no cost, no risk."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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