Aston Villa linked with FC Nantes defender ahead of the summer

Aston Villa are being linked with a move for FC Nantes centre-back Nathan Zeze this summer, according to a report by French news outlet Foot Mercato.

Championship side Leicester City and Bundesliga high-flyers Stuttgart have also been credited with an interest in the youngster ahead of the next transfer window, as well as some unnamed French teams.

Zeze, 18, is being tipped for a bright future in the game and Nantes could face a real battle to keep hold of him later this year amid interest from around Europe in his services.

He has been on the books of his current club for his whole career to date and has risen up through their academy ranks.

The defender has been a regular at various youth levels and broke into their B team in 2022.

Zeze has made 10 Ligue 1 appearances so far in this campaign and has caught the eye. His contract expires in 2028 meaning Nantes can wait for the right offer to come in for his signature before they consider cashing in on him.

Aston Villa could see him as a potential long-term option for them in defence as they eye a place in the Champions League this term. However, there appears to be a lot of competition for him at the moment.

Unai Emery's side won 2-0 at home to Wolves last time out to keep their push for the top four on track. Up next is an away trip to title hopefuls Manchester City.