Makoun close to Rennes move

Jean Makoun: Has struggled to make an impact in England with Aston Villa

Aston Villa have announced that talks regarding a possible loan agreement that will take Jean Makoun to Rennes are at an 'advanced stage'.

The Cameroon international has endured a frustrating 18 months on the books at Villa Park, and things do not look like getting any easier.

He was snapped up from Lyon in January 2011, with a number of clubs reported to have been keen on doing a deal.

Villa won the race for his signature, but Makoun struggled to settle in England and failed to shine on the Premier League stage.

With first-team opportunities dwindling, he was granted a season-long loan at Greek outfit Olympiakos in August 2011.

It appears that the 29-year-old will be heading for the exits once again this summer, with Rennes prepared to offer him a route back to France.

"Talks are at an advanced stage between Villa and French Ligue 1 side Rennes with a view to Jean II Makoun returning to France on a season-long loan," read a statement released on Villa's official website.