Alex Moreno of Real Betis in action
Aston Villa‘s move for Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno is in the ‘final stages’ and the player has now been left out of their latest squad.
The Lowdown: Moreno on the move?
Unai Emery is looking to build a formidable squad at Villa Park, getting himself into a situation where he has proven quality and depth all over the pitch.
Moreno has been constantly linked with a move to Villa since the turn of the year, with the Betis man seen as someone who can battle with Lucas Digne for playing time and also provide an option further up the left flank.
The Villans are pushing hard for the 29-year-old and things are really now starting to gather pace.
The Latest: Villa bid rejected
Taking to Twitter, Ashley Preece reported that Betis had turned down Villa’s approach for Moreno but said NSWE were still “hopeful”.
“Aston Villa’s opening bid for Alex Moreno rejected by Real Betis. AVFC will be hopeful of reaching an agreement for the left-back as negotiations continue.”
Following that update, Fabrizio Romano revealed Moreno has now been left out of the Betis squad and a deal is at the “final stages”.
“Alex Moreno, not called up with Real Betis squad as negotiations are now at final stages with Aston Villa. Personal terms agreed, clubs close to full agreement on fee in order to get it signed very soon.”
The Verdict: Matter of time?
This does feel like a transfer that should eventually go through this month with Preece saying NSWE were still “hopeful” even after the initial rejection and Betis seemingly now resigned to losing their man.
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The Spaniard would be a shrewd acquisition by Emery too, bringing great experience to Villa’s squad and proving to be a safe pair of hands in tandem with Digne, while also possessing the ability to play left-wing.
He has registered 14 assists for the La Liga outfit and 28 total across his career, including three this season, with his high creative numbers leading FBRef to pick out none other than Matty Cash as his most similar player.
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