What happened: Aston Villa are reportedly sending three young players to French second-tier side Annecy ahead of the upcoming season. Midfielder Mohamed Koné (18), Kadan Young (20) and Zepiqueno Redmond (20) are all expected to complete the moves. The transfers follow V Sports' purchase of a minority stake in Annecy earlier this month.

Why it matters: The loans formalize the multi-club link between Villa and Annecy, giving the club a controlled environment to develop fringe prospects in competitive senior football. Redmond joined Villa from Feyenoord and managed limited minutes during a League One loan, so a fresh setting offers a clearer path to regular game time. For Villa, the arrangement is a low-risk way to season talent without exposing it to a Premier League gap.

What to watch: Watch for the three deals to be made official before the start of the season, and whether further Villa-Annecy player movement follows as the partnership develops.