Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion are understood to be interested in signing Rennes midfielder Tongo Doumbia.
The Mali international, who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, recently claimed that he would like to play in the Premier League.
The Midlands rivals are now expected to battle it out for the 22-year-old's signature, according to The Express.
Rennes are thought to want around £2m for Doumbia.