Aston Villa have ‘sealed’ a €14m (£12.4m) move to sign Real Betis full-back Alex Moreno, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Moreno speculation
Villa were first linked with a swoop for the defender ahead of the New Year after NSWE previously promised Unai Emery a ‘huge’ 2023 transfer budget.
The 29-year-old is one of numerous La Liga players who have been linked with a move to the Midlands in recent weeks, and it seems as if the Spaniard will now become Emery’s first signing in charge at Villa Park.
The Latest: Villa move for Moreno
Romano took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to share an update on Villa’s move for Moreno, claiming that documents have been exchanged ahead of a €14m deal being ‘sealed’.
The Italian said that ‘Emery will have the fullback he wanted’, adding that the player ‘will undergo medical tests soon’ prior to being unveiled as a Villa player.
The Verdict: Versatile operator
Described as ‘quality’ by journalist Ethan Lamb, Moreno is primarily a left-back but can also line out as a left midfielder or left winger. Therefore, he’ll offer plenty of versatility under Emery, who has mainly gone with a 4-4-2 system so far.
All of Moreno’s 15 league appearances for Betis this season have come as a full-back, from which he has registered three assists, so he could be about to rival Lucas Digne for a starting spot, with Villa chiefs potentially open to offers the Frenchman following a move for Moreno.