Marseille have started talks with Aston Villa aimed at signing midfielder Carlos Sanchez.

The French club's coach Franck Passi has made Sanchez a priority as he looks to strengthen his options in the middle of the park ahead of next season.
 



Marseille had been interested in another Aston Villa man in the shape of Idrissa Gueye, but the 26-year-old knocked back the Ligue 1 side, being unimpressed with their plans for the future.

Now Marseille want another Villa man in Sanchez and according to French sports daily L'Equipe, have already opened talks with the English Championship club about a deal.
 


The Colombia international has experience of French football gained through a spell with Valenciennes between 2007 and 2013.

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Villa snapped Sanchez up from Spanish outfit Elche in 2014, but despite his best efforts he could not help the club avoid relegation from the Premier League last season.

The Colombian, who operates as a defensive midfielder, is valued at around the €3m mark.