Aston Villa have received a significant boost in their reported pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach's Marcus Thuram.

The talented striker, who has scored 13 goals and four assists in 18 games this term, is currently with France at the World Cup.

Thuram, the son of Lilian Thuram, is out of contract in the summer and seems unlikely to renew with Gladbach.

“I think it will be difficult for him to stay at Gladbach because if he continues to score so many goals it is certain that he will have many offers in Italy or Spain or England," assistant coach Oliver Neuville told Radio Sportiva.

“You also have to be a bit realistic. I hope he stays here at Monchengladbach, but now he has also been called up by the French national team for the World Cup. It will be difficult for him to extend his contract, I hope so, but the chances are slim."