Aston Villa have been turned down by Le Havre defender Harold Moukoudi.
The centre-back was in England on Thursday to meet Steve Bruce and hold talks about completing an initial loan move to Villa Park.
Aston Villa were prepared to pay Ligue 2 club Le Havre €1.1m in the shape of a loan fee, while entering into an obligation to buy in January for a further €7.7m.
But Moukoudi returned to France on Friday and, according to French outlet Foot Mercato, he has turned Aston Villa down.
The young defender wants to continue his development in France and has not been convinced by the prospect of moving to Villa Park.
Lyon have also shown an interest in him, but Rennes' president Olivier Letang has been in touch with him in recent hours.
Rennes are now a possibility for Moukoudi in the final stretch of the summer transfer window.
With the window in France fully open, Moukoudi could join Rennes on a permanent deal.
