Alejandro Garnacho's 'most likely' destination revealed amid Aston Villa 'doubts'

Alejandro Garnacho is likely to pursue a move to a Spanish club if he cannot turn around his slow start to life at Aston Villa.

The Madrid-born 22-year-old has been subject to ongoing speculation about his future at Villa Park, having played just 31 competitive minutes since joining on loan from Chelsea.

Doubts are believed to have crept in behind the scenes, and should he fail to impress Unai Emery and his coaches, he could miss out on a permanent move to Aston Villa.

Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Garnacho is still likely to complete his permament switch, but plans are being put in place just in case.

There is a feeling that the winger would fare better in La Liga than he has in the Premier League, where Man United, Chelsea and now Villa have struggled to get the best out of him.

Garnacho is being backed to turn around his form with Emery's guidance, but should he continue to struggle, a move to La Liga could well be on the cards.

Could Alejandro Garnacho leave Aston Villa?

Former Aston Villa scout Bryan King told Football Insider on 28 September that Garnacho looks "destined" to leave Villa Park if his displays do not improve.

Comparisons have been drawn to Harvey Elliott's situation last season, when the midfielder was sidelined so that Villa could avoid making his loan move permanent.

While there are no current suggestions that could be the case with Garnacho, plans are being put in place behind the scenes in case he is forced to look elsewhere.

"Alejandro Garnacho is going to have one eye on the future away from Aston Villa," Brown told Football Insider.

"There have been doubts about that deal because he's had a slow start to his time there, he's not playing as often as he would've thought.

"We don't know what's next for him, because if he can't get into this Aston Villa side, then questions are going to be asked about whether they will complete that permanent move.

"I would expect him to stay at Aston Villa, but I have no doubt he and his agent are considering their options in case that doesn't work out.

"Garnacho hasn't cut it in the Premier League, he's struggled at every club he's played for, so a move away from English football could be his best bet if he doesn't stay at Villa.

"He played well against Sevilla during the break, so perhaps a move to Spain could be his most likely detination, where he's probably more suited to the style of play.

"There are a number of clubs there who have shown an interest in him before, so maybe if he isn't going to stay at Aston Villa, that could be something he looks to explore."

What does Unai Emery have planned for Garnacho?

Despite suggestions that Garnacho could be allowed to leave Aston Villa if his playing time does not improve in the near future, he reamains part of Emery's long-term plans.

Aston Villa opted to play a friendly against Emery's former club Sevilla during the extended international break, where the winger scored and impressed with his overall display.

Brown told Football Insider on 6 October that Emery is hopeful of getting the best out of Garnacho and has seen encouraging signs during the friendly clash.

Despite reports elsewhere, Villa are not prepared to call time on the winger's loan spell just yet, and believe he can play an important part in their plans this season.

Despite being bombed out at both Man United and Chelsea, there have been suggestions that Emery could be the perfect man to make his Villa career a success.