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PART of the £100 million (about US$138.5 million) jackpot, which Aston Villa struck in the transfer of Jack Grealish, could be used to recruit a Malian enforcer who could provide more competition, for Marvelous Nakamba.

Grealish became the first £100 million English Premiership footballer when he completed his move from Villa to City.

The windfall is being invested by the Birmingham club to reinforce their squad, with a number of players having already been wooed, to strengthen the team.

And, one of those who have emerged on the Villa shopping list is the highly-rated  Yves Bissouma, who is also being targeted by Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

His club, Brighton and Hove Albion, are demanding, at least, £40 million (about US$55.5 million), for his services.

Bissouma’s stock has risen significantly, after a standout performance, in the past season, in which he was ranked by the experts at Opera News as the best defensive midfielder in the Premiership.

“Brighton and Hove Albion have been a much better team than their position in the Premier League table will have you believe,’’ the experts said in their analysis.

“After taking almost a season to get used to the pace of the English game, Bissouma seems to have mastered the craft and it is no surprise that he is one of the most coveted defensive midfielders in the Premier League right now.

“A tough-tackling midfielder, Yves Bissouma has become a force to be reckoned with in the Seagulls’ starting XI under Graham Potter.

“Bissouma’s side faces a lot more incursions than the other players on the list but his numbers are still extremely impressive.

“The Mali international has won 100 tackles, at a success rate of 65% in 35 Premier League appearances, he has made 62 interceptions and an incredible 266 recoveries.

“Though he is just 182 cms tall, Bissouma is pretty good at aerial duels as well, winning 38 out of 59.’’

City midfielder Rodri was ranked the second best defensive midfielder in the league, with Chelsea powerhouse, N’Golo Kante, coming in at third place, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi in fourth place and West Ham’s Declan Rise, in fifth place.

And, reports on BirminghamLive, the most authoritative media source on Villa issues, indicated that manager Dean Smith and sporting director, Johan Lange, were looking at bringing on more arrivals, including Bissouma.

“Villa have already proven their ambition with a move for Buendia and they will have further backing in the transfer market as Smith looks to bolster his midfield,’’BirminghamLive reported.

“At 24, Bissouma ticks all of Villa’s boxes in terms of looking for high-quality players who are yet to reach the peak of their powers.

“And, if Villa were searching for a midfielder who can add steel as well as silk, then Bissouma would undoubtedly be a brilliant option and could easily help take them to the next level.’’

The Villa fans have also taken to social media, according to BirminghamLive, to demand their club bring the Malian to Britain’ second biggest city.

But, the arrival of Bissouma will provide more competition for Zimbabwe international, Nakamba, who has been battling for the defensive midfielder slot with his Brazilian counterpart, Douglas Luiz.

The Warriors star has been tipped to start the season, as the preferred choice for that role, with Luiz given more time off first team duties, after playing in both the Copa America and the Olympics.

And, The Boot Room, are backing Arsenal to win the race to get Bissouma suggesting a swap deal, involving Gunners midfielder, Reiss Nelson, could unlock the deal.

Nelson, who has a Zimbabwean father and English mother, has been targeted by the Warriors team management.

“Nelson, 21, has yet to sign a new deal with the club and reports this weekend have now suggested that Brighton, Crystal Palace, and Brentford all want the youngster,’’ reported The Boot Room.

“The Seagulls have a player the Gunners have wanted for some time in Yves Bissouma.

“Brighton’s interest in Nelson, though, gives Arsenal an ace in their pack with this deal.’’ — Sports Reporter/BirminghamLive/The Boot Room/Opera News.