Aston Villa boss Gerrard confirms Bissouma bid; ponders Chambers debut

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Aston Villa boss Gerrard confirms Bissouma bid; ponders Chambers debut

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard admits they tried to sign Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in January.

Gerrard said publicly for the first time that Villa had tried to sign Bissouma, though it is thought Brighton's valuation of the player was far higher than Villa's bid of about £25million.

He said: "We put in a bid that was turned away, and we respected that. If a move is not right then we will not become desperate and make decisions we do not think are right.

"Marvelous Nakamba will be fit again soon so we'll assess the situation as we go along. But I won't compromise in certain situations because our fans and the club deserve the right people in the right positions.

"Going into this window with Nakamba injured, it was a priority to try to solve the problem. But we won't try to find Plan B, C, D or E. We will keep pushing and try to get the right person."

Meanwhile, Calum Chambers could make his debut against Leeds after joining Villa from Arsenal.

One of the reasons Villa have moved for Chambers is versatility, with the 28-year-old able to play in both defence and midfield.

Gerrard added: "He can play as a right-back, or as a centre-back if we ever go to a back three. We know he can do the No 6 role.

"He also played on the side of a midfield diamond when he was on loan at Fulham. Some players are comfortable in any area of the pitch and Calum certainly comes into that bracket."