Aston Villa came close to signing Harold Moukoudi last summer before the loan deal featuring a £7m buying option fell through, but they may have a chance to procure his signature for free in the coming months when his contract at the Stade Océane expires.
The AC Le Havre defender opted against making the switch to Villa Park in the past and turned down the chance to join other sides in France, but his relationship has deteriorated with the club which could lead to an exit sooner rather than later.
Moukoudi has reportedly fallen out with Le Havre’s owner and the manager Oswald Tanchot who has been told not to play the defender. Moukoudi has made 17 Ligue 2 appearances this season but hasn’t featured since the turn of the year.
The failed contract talks could lead to the centre-back moving away from Le Havre in the coming months, opening the door for Villa to procure his signature. Dean Smith is no longer short of options in defence, but with Tyrone Mings, Kortney Hause and Axel Tuanzebe being on-loan players, recruitment may be needed over the summer. That could mean Moukoudi is finally signed.
