Aston Villa chief Monchi is moving for Rennes striker Jeremy Doku.
Monchi is targeting the Belgium international, with a first offer lodged.
TMW says Villa have bid 25m for Doku and have been told to go higher.
Monchi has been informed Doku will make the move if Villa go to 30m.
Villa, meanwhile, are closing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby this week.