Transfer Talk: Aston Villa close in on striker Jordan Ayew

Aston Villa are closing on signing Ghanaian striker Jordan Ayew from French side FC Lorient. The 23-year-old will come as a replacement for departed Christian Benteke, who joined Liverpool in a £32.5 million deal.

Jordan Ayew, who scored 11 times for Lorient last season, arrived in England on Friday to seal the move. Villa is believed to have bid £9 million for the Ghana international.

“I’m delighted to have arrived in the UK and to have the opportunity to join a club the size of Aston Villa,” Ayew told Sky Sports News. “I’m looking forward to meeting the manager and I am very excited about the prospect of playing in the best league in the world.

“I’m sure with the new players that Aston Villa are bringing in that we can all work together to make it a great season for a great football club.”

Ayew’s agent Mark McKay confirmed that Tim Sherwood’s side has made a bid stating: “Villa have made an offer for Jordan Ayew to Alex Hayes, the vice-president of Lorient,” he said. “We are hoping Jordan will be allowed to travel from Lorient to Birmingham tonight to discuss personal terms. Tim Sherwood is an admirer of Jordan and feels he could be a big success in the Premier League.”

Jordan’s brother Andre Ayew also joined Premier League side Swansea earlier this summer.

Aston Villa, who sold club captain Fabian Delph to City recently, are looking to rebuild their side and have been linked to Esteban Cambiasso and Emmanuel Adebayor in recent reports.