Kessie, 20, has been?identified by SunSport?as one of the hottest prospects in Serie A – and could fill the boots of the Frenchman. The centre-half has burst onto the scene with the Portuguese side this year and already has international and Champions League experience under his belt. Villa owner Dr Tony Xia has stood firm and dismissed what would have been a record fee for a Championship player?who is also wanted by Liverpool. y Images5Jose Mourinho could be in the market for a new midfielder as an exit for Morgan Schneiderlin looms“But for us the most important thing is that the technical project is the right one for him. and she's still got her Chelsea coat onCHRISTMAS IS CANCELLEDSwansea flops scrap Xmas bash due . rts daily LIVE blogRelated StoriesRudy's Prem returnAston Villa striker Rudy Gestede set for £6m move to MiddlesbroughTEAM NEWSManchester United vs Middlesbrough team news and predicted line-ups: Henrikh Mkhitaryan startsFANCY A FLUTTERWhat are the latest odds for Manchester United vs Middlesbrough and what time is it onTV TIMESWhat TV channel is showing Manchester United vs Middlesbrough, what time is it on and what are the latest odds PA:Press Association5Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce is also set to launch a bidPA:Press Association5Rudy Gestede has been linked up as Rhodes' replacementKaranka will now look to seal a £6m swoop for Villas Rudy Gestede as Rhodes replacement. Talking about his countrymen, Ibra said: I think Victor is doing great things, he is playing good fo. n to land the talented 22-year-old to bolster his central defence and a deal seemed all but completed after?it was reported he would be handed the No2 shirt. Getty Images5Ivorian youngster Franck Kessie has been touted as the ‘new Yaya Toure’Gett. an see past the money on offer and will want to play for the major competitions rather than just the money.