Aston Villa Sources: Unai Emery could green light Diego Carlos sale
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery could give the green light to sell Diego Carlos in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the boss is not convinced of the 31-year-old’s role in his team and could look to cash in on him sooner rather than later.
The return of Tyrone Mings from injury has come as a welcome boost to Villa, while their recruitment team have already begun assessing potential new centre-back options.
Fulham had expressed an interest in signing the Brazilian defender during the summer transfer window but stopped short of making an official offer.
Football Insider revealed in July that the club were open to offers for Carlos late in the window, with AC Milan also linked with a move for his signature.
Six months on, Emery has not been impressed with what he has seen from the centre-back so far this season, and is expected to welcome renewed interest from elsewhere.
Aston Villa to make Diego Carlos transfer decision in January
The defensive line at Villa Park has been earmarked as an area for potential improvement as they have kept just four clean sheets in all competitions so far this season.
On top of that, Emery’s defence have failed to keep their opponent out in any of their last five games, raising concerns about their structure and stability.
Carlos has featured 11 times so far this season, including in all four of their Champions League fixtures, but has started just four times in the Premier League.
The manager’s lack of faith in his ability has led to suggestions that he could be the next name out the doors at Villa Park.
Their struggles with profit and sustainability rules in the summer have raised financial concerns at Villa Park, as the club were forced to sell the likes of Douglas Luiz.
Now, they are keen to avoid a repeat of that situation and sources say they will be cautious with their spending in the upcoming transfer window.
Carlos’ sale would free up funds for reinvestment in January, as well as clearing space for improved options to be brought into the team.
In other news, Villa have been backed to land a big offer for a Man United sensation.
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