Aston Villa have had a €7m (£6.38m) bid for defensive midfielder Baptiste Santamaria rejected by Angers, according to a report.

The 24-year-old is believed to be one of the final names on Dean Smith's list of targets in what has been a busy summer of activity for the Villans.

French outlet L'Equipe claims that Villa have made their move for the Tours youth product, but their opening offer was knocked back.

Santamaria featured 40 times for the Ligue 1 side in all competitions last season and has also earned rumoured interest from West Ham United.

Serie A sides Lazio and Udinese are also thought to have contacted Angers, which has helped to drive up the former France Under-20s international's valuation.