French newspaper L’Equipe have a feature in their Saturday edition on Cheikh N’Doye and just what an important player he is for Angers. Arguably the club’s best performer this season, N’Doye was crucial last time around as well and has cemented himself as something of a midfield leader.
In January 2016 it was reported in France that Aston Villa were one of a number of English clubs interested in the player, feeling his ‘height and strength’ could be useful. At that stage Angers were determined to keep N’Doye and looked to the summer.
Sure enough, the summer brought more claims of interest from Aston Villa. Looking for someone to fill the boots of Idrissa Gueye, the French media believe Villa had pinpointed N’Doye.
The Birmingham club were said to have already approached the player, and Angers were willing to sell as long as the price was right. Angers wanted €10m and that put several interested parties off, feeling the fee was too high for a 30 year old with only a year left on his contract.
Since then Angers have failed to get N’Doye to renew and he’s now able to talk to other clubs and agree a free transfer. It’s an excellent opportunity for Aston Villa, but they’ll have to hope no Premier League clubs decide on the gamble.
