Lens fought off Aston Villa and Sunderland interest in Matthieu Udol

RC Lens had to fend off significant interest in Matthieu Udol (30), Foot Mercato understands. Aston Villa and Sunderland were two of several clubs interested in the Frenchman.

Udol was one of the pillars of Lens' success last season. Following his move from FC Metz, he has established himself as the first pick on the left for Les Sang et Or. Towards the end of last season, there were calls for him to be included in the France squad for the FIFA World Cup, with now-former RCL manager Pierre Sage saying that, had Didier Deschamps called him up, it would have been "deserved".

Ultimately, Udol missed out, however, Foot Mercato understands that he was then the subject of significant interest in the transfer window. He was approached by Aston Villa – in the market for a replacement for Lucas Digne – Sunderland, and AC Milan. However, Lens blocked a departure for the experienced full-back.