Aston Villa are launching a £10 million bid for Rennes flyer Paul-Georges Ntep.
The Daily Star Sunday says the France international has been chased by West Ham and Stoke but has been holding out for a team competing in Europe.
However, Villa want to impress upon him their ambition after signing other French League players Idrissa Gueye, Jordan Amavi and Jordan Ayew from Lorient.
Ntep has been a target for Arsenal and QPR in recent seasons while Tottenham have considered reviving their interest too.