Jean Makoun's Rennes Switch Opens Door for M'Vila Exit

The Daily Mail is reporting a deal that will see Jean Makoun return to France to join Rennes. Makoun has had a less than stellar tenure with Aston Villa since his transfer from Olympique Lyon. The reported deal could be quite a bargain for Rennes.

Makoun was a highly regarded player in his time with Lyon before moving to England in 2011. After arriving at Aston Villa, the Cameroon international failed to find his feet and struggled to live up to the expectations that accompanied his transfer.

Makoun's previous stops at Lyon and Lille have given Rennes management previous opportunity to see the player firsthand. The impressions made by Makoun during that time period are a better measuring stick of the player's potential effect than his time with Villa.

The arrival of the central midfielder is being viewed by many as a replacement for Yann M'Vila. The M'Vila transfer saga has raged all summer. Initially, Arsenal were thought to be the destination. Recently it has been reported that Tottenham has tabled a bid for M'Vila's services.

Whether Arsene Wenger moves Arsenal back into the M'Vila race as a replacement for Alex Song (if he chooses to leave) is unknown at this point. Based on reports in the media, it would seem that Tottenham are in the pole position for M'Vila.

If the Makoun deal is the ship that sends M'Vila away, Rennes will be happy they have gotten a replacement with a proven track record in Ligue 1. They can also be content with the amount of money gained in the difference between the Makoun deal and the M'Vila sale. If Rennes can turn that surplus into another quality player or two, then Rennes will be the better for it.