Marseille have reportedly jumped to the front of the queue to land Jordan Amavi from Aston Villa on an initial loan deal.

The 23-year-old saw a big-money bid from the French club rejected earlier this year, which Villa owner Dr Tony Xia suggested at the time was worth £25m.

After further discussions the two clubs have now reached an agreement over a loan deal, however, with Sky Sports News reporting that Marseille have the right to land him permanently at the end of the campaign.

Amavi was on the brink of joining Sevilla at the start of the summer transfer window, only for a move to break down at the last minute, leaving Xia furious with the La Liga outfit's conduct.

After seeing his first season in the West Midlands cut short by injury, the former France Under-21s international made 36 appearances in all competitions last time out.