Ritchie de Laet could head to Melbourne City on loan

Aston Villa could be about to let another defender leave Villa Park this season, despite having a lack of options at the back.

According to a report by The World Game, Ritchie de Laet is thought to be on the verge of securing a move to Australia to team up with Melbourne City.

The 29-year-old defender has struggled to make an impact at Villa Park during the two years he has been at the club and Steve Bruce is thought to be prepared to sanction a move.

The Belgian defender spent last season out on loan back in his homeland with Royal Antwerp, however, he has since returned and is yet to feature for the Villans in the Championship, although he impressed during their pre-season and League Cup campaigns.

However, The World Game do suggest that a loan move for the out of favour defender is most likely, who had Ross McCormack briefly on their books in the second half of last season.

The Verdict:

De Laet is unlikely to feature for Bruce and Aston Villa this season and despite all their defensive concerns, a move would be good for all parties.

The defender is currently behind the likes of Ahmed Elmohamady, Alan Hutton and Axel Tuanzebe in the pecking order, with Villa’s main issue in the centre of the defence.

He may have spoken to McCormack about his time with the Australian outfit before and looks likely that he will be able to experience football in the land down under.

Aston Villa fans – thoughts?