Chapuis waits on Villa

EXCLUSIVE
MARSEILLE striker Cyril Chapuis is waiting to discover if Aston Villa firm up their tentative interest in his services.

Chapuis, who has previously been a target of Newcastle United, netted four goals in 33 appearances for l'OM last season.

The 24-year-old's all-round displays caught the eye of John Deehan, who had been assistant manager at Villa Park until being sacked by new boss David O'Leary on Wednesday.

The former Rennes ace is eager to test himself in The Premiership, although his price tag, believed to be in excess of £6 million, could scare off his suitors.

His agent, Bruno Heiderscheid, is aiming to fix up a season-long loan move away from Stade Velodrome and is waiting to learn if O'Leary wants to follow on the initial interest.

"There is nothing for him at the moment," confirmed Heiderscheid to planetfootball.com.

"John Deehan, from Aston Villa, was a little bit interested but there was nothing concrete.

"I'm trying to get a loan for him for a year for him to play and to see what he can do. The transfer fee for him is too high for a club in England.

"I'm expecting a call from David O'Leary regarding this matter."

French champions Lyon are also keen to sign Chapuis and proposed an exchange deal with Marseille involving Frederic Nee but that offer was snubbed by the South Coast club.

Heiderscheid added: "Lyon suggested an exchange with Nee, and they wanted to make an exchange but Marseille were not interested."