Aston Villa transfer news: Unai Emery confirms defender close to exit

On Saturday evening, the West Midlands outfit kicked off the new Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory at West Ham United.

One of the notable absentees was Moreno, a player who has been a regular under Emery since his arrival during the 2023 January transfer window.

However, with Lucas Digne having remained in the West Midlands rather than move elsewhere as once was speculated, the 31-year-old does not appear to have a future at Villa.

While there are still two years remaining on his contract and Villa facing the prospect of having to manage their squad with Champions League football on the calendar, Moreno seemingly does not have a place in Emery's plans.

Moreno "close to leaving"

Speaking after Villa's triumph in the capital on Saturday, the Spaniard addressed the situation involving his compatriot.

As quoted by the Birmingham Mail, Emery said: "We signed Ian Maatsen and were speaking with some different players in this position now we have difficulties to manage with three specific left full-backs.

"We were thinking to be strong in this position and Alex Moreno is a player who he is now close to leaving."

Maatsen played an instrumental part in Jhon Duran's winner against the Hammers, playing a delicate soft pass into the path of Jacob Ramsey who subsequently teed up the forward to fire home from inside the penalty area.

Who is interested in Moreno?

On Saturday afternoon, a report in The Athletic suggested that Forest could very well be the frontrunners for Moreno.

Ola Aina started at left-back against Bournemouth on Saturday and Harry Toffolo is providing competition, yet Moreno will be regarded as a level above those pair.

Moreno has made 40 appearances for Villa in the Premier League during a time when they have been transformed from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers.

There is also said to be interest in his signature from clubs around Europe.