Aston Villa join Leeds and Newcastle in Sekou Mara race

Leeds United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are among the clubs interested in signing Bordeaux striker Sekou Mara.
According to Foot Mercato, Bordeaux are set to face an uphill battle in their quest to keep Sekou Mara. The striker is currently regarded as one of the club’s most successful players, having been involved in nine goals during the 2021/22 campaign.
Newcastle United were credited with an interest in Mara earlier in the month, especially after the club were disappointed with the pursuit of Hugo Ekitike. The 19-year-old has been identified as an ideal alternative due to the similar style of play between the two.
However, the Magpies were narrowly followed by Leeds United. Los Blancos have appeared quite proactive in the market this summer and despite the presence of several star players, coach Jesse Marsch is not yet ready to wrap things up.
The American tactician wants a new striker who can compete with Patrick Bamford in the number nine role. The club have been targeting a move for Ben Brereton but moving him away from Blackburn could be tricky, especially amid competition from West Ham United.
Embed from Getty Images
This makes Sekou Mara an ideal target, not only for Leeds United but also for Newcastle United. Both clubs are looking for a young striker and the 19-year-old certainly fits the bill, having shown immense potential early in his professional career.
However, Leeds and Newcastle are set to face stiff competition from another Premier League club in the form of Aston Villa. The Midlands side have become the latest club to express a desire to sign the teenage sensation as manager Steven Gerrard looks to consolidate his options in the goalscoring department.
The Villans signed Diego Carlos, Ludwig Augistinsson, Boubacar Kamara and Robin Olsen in the summer while making Philippe Coutinho’s loan move permanent. However, Gerrard believes there is room for further attacking reinforcements, particularly with Danny Ings blowing hot and cold since arriving from Southampton.
This is where Sekou Mara comes in. As mentioned before, the 19-year-old has shown immense potential and might not cost a fortune. In fact, the report suggests the youngster is valued at around €10m by Bordeaux this summer, making him an ideal target for the Villans.