Aston Villa closing in on Le Havre defender Harold Moukoudi

The highly-rated 20-year-old is understood to be in the Midlands for talks, with Villa hopeful of completing a deal prior to Friday’s deadline.

Reports in France have suggested the move could include an obligation to buy the France under-20 international permanently.

Moukoudi, who has previously been linked with Fulham and West Ham, would become Villa’s fifth loan signing of the summer, following goalkeeper Andre Moreira, defender Axel Tuanzebe and wingers Anwar El Ghazi and Yannick Bolasie.

Though a maximum of five loan players can be named in a matchday squad, it is understood boss Steve Bruce would still like to bring in a striker before the deadline.

Midfielder Aaron Tshibola and winger Andre Green have both left the club on loan this week.

QPR are reportedly interested in defender Tommy Elphick, who may be allowed to leave should a deal for Moukoudi be completed.