Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson was 'very close' to leaving the club at the end of the summer transfer window, according to a new report that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Sanson out of favour at Villa

The midfielder has found himself increasingly out of favour under Steven Gerrard, not yet playing a minute of Premier League action this season, or in any competition for that matter.

Sanson was strongly linked with a move away from Villa during the summer, with his sizeable £14.22million transfer fee appearing to be a waste of money. He ended up remaining at Villa Park, however, in what wasn't an ideal scenario for all parties.

The Latest: Exit claim emerges

According to L'Equipe [via Sport Witness], Sanson was 'very close' to exiting Villa late in the window, as he looked to 'revive' his career.

A 'suitable solution' reportedly emerged for him, with a loan move to Espanyol on the cards, but the move ended up falling through late in the day.

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The Verdict: Matter of time?

It makes complete sense for Villa to sell Sanson at the next opportunity in January, allowing them to get the 28-year-old off their wage bill once and for all.

Not only that but it would also mean regular minutes elsewhere for the player himself, rather than playing no part every week and no doubt growing increasingly unhappy.

A January move has to happen - preferably a permanent one - and Sanson will more than likely be looked back on as a signing that simply didn't work out, despite Dean Smith calling him a 'great technician' when he arrived.