Girona in talks to sign Aston Villa left back Alex Moreno | OneFootball

Aston Villa are in talks with La Liga side Girona over a potential deal for left-back Alex Moreno.

According to The Athletic, the Spanish side have ‘made an approach’ for the 32-year-old left back who looks set to leave Villa Park this summer.

Negotiations are still at an early stage, although Girona are leaving no stone unturned. The Spanish club are reportedly exploring the feasibility of completing either a loan move or a permanent deal.

Girona head coach Michel is believed to be a major driving force behind the move. He wants to reunite with the left back at Estadi Montilivi, having previously coached Moreno at Rayo Vallecano.

That past connection could play a key role in convincing the player to return to Spain, especially after a difficult spell in England.

Moreno spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest but struggled for game time. He failed to make a strong impression during his short stint at the City Ground.

Back at Villa, he has fallen down the pecking order, with Ian Maatsen, who joined the club from Chelsea in a £37.5 million deal, and Lucas Digne ahead of him.

Digne is heading into the final year of his contract at Villa Park, and the experienced French left back is reportedly in talks to sign a new deal.

Moreno is in a similar position, but it means his time in Birmingham could be coming to an end.

He was left out of the club’s pre-season tour to the United States, so it’s clear that the club want to cut him loose this summer.

That absence has given him the space to explore options elsewhere, and he appears ready for a fresh start. Moreno has been linked with a move to Leeds United, but Girona are leading the race.

Spanish reports suggest Girona are leaning toward an initial loan deal that would see them cover part of Moreno’s wages.

A permanent transfer has not been ruled out, but that’ll require the player to agree to terminate his contract with Villa and lower his salary expectations.