Middlesbrough had been linked with a move for Le Havre defender Harold Moukoudi earlier in the transfer window, but now face competition with both Aston Villa and Celtic interested, according to The Hartlepool Mail.
Le Havre centre-back Harold Moukoudi has been interesting Middlesbrough this summer, with the Teessiders looking at the Frenchman as a replacement for Ben Gibson. However, the emergence of Dael Fry as a first-team defender may have squashed any interest from Boro going forwards.
Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis recently expressed his desire to bring in ‘one or two’ signings before the deadline this Friday, but said that centre back was an area he was happy with. The Hartlepool Mail also report that the Boro boss is prioritising other areas.
Aston Villa and Celtic have now also expressed an interest according to reports, and have seemingly moved ahead of Middlesbrough in the pursuit of the 20-year old.
Alternatively, Aston Villa lost John Terry in the summer, and would be looking to bolster their options in defence and have identified Moukoudi as a possible target. Tommy Elphick could also been shown the exit door, with the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Rangers interested.
Moukoudi’s valuation is around £5 million, and if the clubs do miss out on the defender before the deadline this Friday, the relatively small price tag could mean Aston Villa, Middlesbrough or Celtic revisit the deal in either January or in the summer in a bid to bring the youngster in on a permanent contract instead.
