Monaco's central defender Aymen Abdennour has emerged as a transfer target for Aston Villa, according to reports.

The 26-year-old only joined Monaco from Toulouse last year after an initial loan spell with the Ligue 1 club.

However, Villa boss Tim Sherwood has been given the green light to launch a bid by the club's hierarchy as he searches for a replacement for Ron Vlaar, reports Foot Mercato.

Villa are thought to face competition for the Tunisian international from Barcelona and Roma.

Abdennour has 33 caps for his country and is a former captain of their Under-21 side.