Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has reportedly stepped up his interest in signing Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

After shunning Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, the versatile Frenchman has established himself as a key man in Marseille's bid to qualify for next season's Champions League.

However, with less than a year remaining on his contract, the 22-year-old has effectively been performing in the shop window ahead of a transfer to a bigger club.

While Manchester United are known to be long-term admirers of Kamara, RMC Sport suggests that fellow Premier League side Villa are ready to act as rivals for the player's signature.

The report claims that boss Gerrard personally made the trip to watch Kamara in action against Nantes on Wednesday evening.

Despite the show of interest, Villa can only expect to be regarded as outsiders for his signature with Atletico Madrid also said to be keen on securing Kamara's signature on a free transfer. body check tags ::