Aston Villa are in talks to sign another centre back, 6ft 4ins Belgian Bjorn Engels.
Dean Smith has already secured Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa for a combined £38million plus Kortney Hause from Wolves and still maintains an interest in adding Axel Tuanzebe on loan from Manchester United.
However, after struggling to cover the position last season, Smith wants plenty of strength in depth and hopes Villa can agree a fee with Reims for Engels.
The former Belgium U21 international, who has been linked to Fulham and Stoke in the past, only joined Reims permanently this summer after impressing on loan from Olympiacos last season.
Villa remain the market for a goalkeeper, two midfielders and a winger with Mahmoud Trezeguet of Kasimpasa in their sights.