'I'm told Aston Villa plan to accept Ian Maatsen offer as Unai Emery eyes new signing'
Aston Villa are prepared to accept a new offer for Ian Maatsen this summer as Unai Emery is determined to strengthen at left-back.
The 24-year-old has been in and out of the starting XI under Emery, and was left out of the Nertherlands squad for the World Cup as a result of his inconsistency.
Meanwhile, Emery has doubts about the left-back's abilities and plans to upgrade on the position during the transfer window, pushing him further down the pecking order.
Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Maatsen will be allowed to leave in an effort to raise funds which can be spent on his replacement.
The Netherlands international started 25 of his 44 appearances this season, and all parties could now be ready to move on in pursuit of a change of scenery.
Lucas Digne could also be on the chopping block at Villa Park, with concerns about his age and recent performances, with a defensive overhaul on the cards.
Could Aston Villa accept offers for Ian Maatsen?
Football Insider predicted last month that Digne's Aston Villa career could be over, with Emery looking to upgrade at left-back when the summer transfer window opens.
The manager's plans have now called Maatsen's future into question, while he is also believed to be interested in a move away from Villa Park.
Two years after joining Villa from Chelsea after a string of four loan spells, Maatsen could be set to move on again, which could trigger a move for his replacement.
"Signing a new left-back is going to be a priority for Unai Emery this summer," Brown told Football Insider.
"It's been a bit of a problem position for Aston Villa for a while now, I remember we spoke about the same issue last summer, and there are concerns at right-back too.
"They want to bring in a new left-back, but it looks like they will have to sell players before they can spend big this summer.
"Ian Maatsen is one I'm told Villa would be open to selling, because he's never quite managed to establish himself as a regular starter in the Premier League.
"Aston Villa feel they can upgrade on him, and from the defender's point of view, I'm sure he would be interested in moving on to go and play regularly somewhere else.
"So there's a real possibility he could move on this summer if Aston Villa get an offer which they deem acceptable, and then they can go and sign his replacement."
Who could Aston Villa sign to replace Maatsen?
Aston Villa's decision to consider offers for Maatsen this summer has come as they aim to sign a new left-back to upgrade a key position in Emery's starting XI.
As a result, the recruitment team at Villa Park have been assessing a number of options across European football and in the Premier League.
Football Insider shared reports last month that Aston Villa are interested in Nottingham Forest star Neco Williams, who is capable of playing on both sides of the defence.
The Wales international has been praised for his performances at Forest despite what was a turbulent season under four different managers.
However, Forest are believed to have opened talks with Williams over the offer of a contract extension as they hope to convince him to stay at the City Ground.