Aston Villa consider move for new left-back target

Villa are considering a move for Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri.

The Italian has emerged as a contender to replace Lucas Digne, who is joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Villa had been close to agreeing a deal with AC Milan to sign Pervis Estupinan but talks have since stalled.

Ruggeri is an alternative option after being made available by Atletico just a year after joining them from Atalanta.

The 24-year-old made 47 appearances for the La Liga club last season but has slipped behind Alejandro Grimaldo in the pecking order.

Digne is on course to complete his move to PSG when he returns from a post-World Cup holiday next week.

The Champions League winners, who face Villa in next week’s European Super Cup, triggered an £8million release clause in the 33-year-old’s contract.

Villa signed Ian Maatsen from Chelsea for £37.5m two years ago but he has largely played second fiddle to Digne in that time.

Maatsen will now be given a chance to stake his claim for the starting left-back role, against whoever is signed as the Frenchman’s replacement.