Aston Villa has not yet opened its transfer window, but there could be a change in the next couple of days. According to Sky Sports, the club will make an official offer for Toulouse's 18-year-old Jaydee Canvot. The 18-year-old midfielder, who can also play as a center-back, has already accepted the transfer, and personal terms won't be an issue.
What's missing now is the deal with the French club. If the transfer materializes as expected, Canvot could emerge as one of the pillars of the future in the second phase of Unai Emery's project.
Why Canvot is a prudent target now
Canvot is young, but not new. Last season in the Ligue 1, he played 18 matches for Toulouse, the tenth placed league. He played with poise, maturity, and position sense that is rare at his age. At 6'2", he's confident in defense and midfield, can play out of the back, gains possession effectively way back, and is tidy in tackles. He plays simply and efficiently, and that's not something you typically find on players of his age. He's not the type of player who makes it onto flashy highlight reels, but he's exactly the type of player every coach would love to have on the field.
Missing out on the Champions League was a surprise to the fans and the team. Villa struggled for a spot until the last minute, but failed to make it. The transfer window's been quiet on top of everything. Zepiqueno Redmond joined on a free transfer from Feyenoord. 34-year-old goalkeeper Marco Bizot joined in order to bring experience.
Nevertheless, supporters are hoping for a greater switch, something to indicate that the club has not abandoned its desire. Canvot is not a name that will be recognized in every home outside France, but he is typical of a signing that can bring new life to a scheme of some years' duration: young, cheap, full of potential, and with scope to improve.
Toulouse already views the transfer as inevitable
Toulouse's board knows that it will be hard to retain Canvot if an attractive bid is made. And it seems one will be forthcoming. The player has already indicated that he wishes to play in England. With his personal terms virtually sorted out, all that now awaits is for the two clubs to finalize the fee.
Villa's measured and serene approach to the negotiation is also reaping rewards. There is an excellent relationship between the two front offices, which could end up clinching the deal. Off the record, the transfer is already being treated as a fait accompli.