Aston Villa line up transfers for two players - as club ‘prepares’ to accept offer

Aston Villa duo Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho are looking increasingly likely to depart the club in the summer according to fresh reports. Unai Emery has already made a huge difference to the progress at Villa Park but a summer rebuild is expected, with two players lined up to leave.

Following the signing of Alex Moreno in January, left-back Digne has become rather out of sorts with a heavy reduction of game time. Formerly of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, there is no doubting his experience nor ability, but Moreno’s strong performances have made Digne a backup option.

Meanwhile, injuries have caused for time on the sidelines for Coutinho and the likes of Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn starring in his absence. Although the Brazilian is expected back soon - perhaps for the clash with Newcastle United on April 15 - his presence in the starting XI is unlikely for the rest of the season.

As a result of these developments, both players are now being linked with moves away from Villa Park. Football Insider reports Emery’s side will “seriously consider parting with Digne if an appropriate offer arrives this summer”, as the player is not satisfied with his current role in the team.

Coutinho, on the other hand, has reportedly started exploring a potential return to Inter Milan to revive his career. This is according to InterLive, with the Italian publication claiming Coutinho and his entourage “are already exploring options”. It is said it would come as “no surprise” if Inter were to make an approach.

There is, however, a reluctance from Villa to sell Coutinho for much less than the £18 million they paid for him and Inter may not be willing to fork out that kind of sum. His high wages could also prove to be a stumbling block. Both players will stay put for now, but the transfer window opens in England at the start of June.