Aston Villa transfer 'close' as Unai Emery gives green light and player 'ready' to travel

Aston Villa are in advanced negotiations with Italian giants Napoli over a potential loan-to-buy transfer for out-of-sorts defensive midfielder Leander Dendoncker, according to two reputable reports.

The 28-year-old has been given the green light to leave the club by manager Unai Emery, with Calum Chambers another free to depart if a suitable offer surfaces. Dendoncker has started just once in the Premier League this season, failing even to gain a place when injuries and suspensions have arisen.

The Athletic reports talks have commenced between Napoli and Villa, with a loan until the end of the season being discussed. Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, claims Napoli are "closing in" on a loan with a buy option clause included. An agreement is said to be close, with the player already confirming his desire to make the switch.

Signed from local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of €15 million (£12.8 million) in September 2022, Dendoncker has played 36 times for the Villans. He has one goal to his name and that came during his only Premier League start of the current campaign – away at Manchester United on Boxing Day.

Dendoncker, who has 32 senior caps for Belgium, was a key player for Wolves before signing for Villa as he played at least 30 Premier League games in three consecutive seasons. Now, however, his career is abruptly declining and a transfer is needed as soon as possible. Napoli could prove to be the saving grace.