Aston Villa are in "advanced talks" with Rennes about midfielder Jean Makoun joining the Ligue 1 side on a season-long loan.
The Cameroon international joined Villa from Lyon during the January 2011 transfer window in a £6 million deal.
However, the 29-year-old struggled to make an impact in the Premier League under then Villa manager Gerard Houllier.
He was loaned out to Greek side Olympiacos last season and now looks set for another temporary switch away from Villa Park.
Villa said in a statement: "Talks are at an advanced stage between Villa and Rennes with a view to Jean Makoun returning to France on a season-long loan."
Update:
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Andy Savo Hanson
5:33am on 18/8/2012
Why don't we just sell him