Aston Villa have made contact to sign Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno in January, according to reports from Spain.

The Lowdown: Emery’s first Villa transfer window

The Premier League club are likely to be very active in the winter market, with Unai Emery set to be presented with the opportunity to bring in some of his own players for the first time since his arrival at the club in the autumn.

The Spaniard will already know players in La Liga well from his time at Villarreal, and it seems like he has identified the 29-year-old as a primary target in a bid to make him his first Villa signing in the New Year.

The Latest: NSWE make Moreno contact

According to one Spanish outlet (via Birmingham Live), NSWE are ‘interested’ in Moreno and have already ‘made contact’ with his representatives regarding a potential move next month.

The Villans are also credited with an admiration for Rennes’ Adrien Truffert, with Emery ‘keen to add more competition’ in the left-back position.

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The Verdict: Excellent Digne alternative

Lucas Digne has pretty much been Emery’s first choice at left-back during his embryonic stint in charge at Villa, but having been hailed as ‘quality’ by EFL journalist Ethan Lamb, Moreno would provide an excellent alternative to the Frenchman.

The Real Betis gem has racked up 14 assists and six goals during his time in Seville and has already produced 24 crosses in La Liga this season alone.

Moreno still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract in Spain, so his valuation is currently unknown, but it would be more than worth the investment from NSWE to secure his services if he were to become available.