Aston Villa sporting director Johan Lange wanted Morgan Sanson to be given a chance under Dean Smith prior to his injury, according to Gregg Evans.

The Lowdown: Sanson’s struggles

Sanson, on £48,000-a-week at Villa Park, hasn’t had the best of starts to his career in the Midlands following his move from Marseille in January.

The 27-year-old missed the final nine games of the 2020/21 campaign through injury. However, before then, the French midfielder only started three of 12 and failed to complete a full 90 minutes under Smith.

Lange was the man who pushed through a New Year move, and it appears as if he wanted Sanson to have featured more prominently at Villa Park.

The Latest: Evans’ claim

Evans, Villa’s reporter for The Athletic, shared a story on Villa’s transfer business on Wednesday.

Within his report, he spoke in detail about the club’s central midfield ranks after they failed in an attempt to sign Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse.

Evans admitted that Lange was very keen for Sanson to be given a chance to show what he is made of, presumably before his injury last season.

The Verdict: Crucial campaign

Sanson made his first appearance for Villa in 149 days on Tuesday for the Under-21’s against Wycombe Wanderers, registering an assist in a 3-1 win.

The midfielder is working his way back and this season appears to be crucial when it comes to Sanson making the grade in the Midlands.

He wasn’t starting on a regular basis prior to his injury, and if he continues to struggle, a transfer worth over £14m won’t look good business.

In other news: 'Welp' - Many Aston Villa fans fume as news emerges.