Aston Villa: Gerrard 'gives green light' for £48k-a-week star to exit Villa Park | OneFootball

Aston Villa outcast Morgan Sanson could seal his Villa Park exit in January as Steven Gerrard has given him ‘the green light’ to seek pastures new, according to Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece.

The Midlands outfit headed into the international break having moved up to 15th in the Premier League table, but Sanson may have already made his final appearance for the club.

What’s the latest news involving Sanson?

Sanson has failed to work his way into the forefront of head coach Gerrard’s plans during the early stages of the campaign and is still searching for his first outing, having only been named in the matchday squad once.

It initially seemed a move away from Villa Park was on the cards for the former France under-21 international earlier this month, but a switch failed to come to fruition.

Respected Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed Turkish outfit Galatasaray were interested in securing his services on loan after a move to Espanyol broke down, only for him to remain in the Midlands.

Gerrard admitted he was hoping to offload Sanson during the closing stages of the transfer window as the central midfielder has grown frustrated at his lack of game-time.

The 28-year-old still has three years remaining on his £48,000-per-week contract at Villa, meaning they are in a strong negotiating position ahead of January.

What has Ashley Preece said about Sanson?

Preece believes there is a distinct possibility that Sanson will be heading out of the exit door when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

The journalist understands Gerrard had given the Frenchman permission to find new employers before the deadline passed earlier this month.

When asked whether a January exit could be on the cards for Sanson, Preece told GIVEMESPORT: “Yes, I think it’s all looking towards that.

“Gerrard gave him the green light to go out and find a new club in the summer window, but a move wasn’t forthcoming. I think he will head out.”

Why is Gerrard open to letting Sanson depart?

Having joined in a £16million move from French giants Marseille in January 2021, Sanson has gone on to be a flop for Villa.

He has only been offered 643 minutes of Premier League action since arriving from his homeland and, in that time, he has not chalked up a single goal contribution.

Sanson’s last appearance came in April, when Villa lost 2-1 to Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, and it would make sense for his current employers to get him off the wage bill.