'Aston Villa will sell Diego Carlos' after London-club decision

Aston Villa will listen to offers for Diego Carlos in the January transfer window amid growing interest, according to the club's former scout.

Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at Villa Park and also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn, exclusively told Football Insider that the 31-year-old is not a part of Unai Emery's plans for the future.

This comes after Football Insider revealed on 14 January that Turkish giants Fenerbahce are keen to make a move for the centre-back, while Fulham's interest has cooled.

Carlos has started 14 of his 17 appearances so far this season, but has fallen behind Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings in the pecking order.

Brown explained that Villa believe he is an awkard fit for their style of play, and view him as a sellable asset as they plan to raise funds through the sale of fringe players.

The Brazilian's contract at Villa Park is set to expire in 2026 and there is a growing feeling that Villa could look to cash in quickly in an attempt to maximise the value of the deal.

Aston Villa to cash in on Diego Carlos amid Fenerbahce interest

Brown told Football Insider in December that Villa have been looking at signing a "top-class" centre-back, and Carlos' exit could free up space and money for the move.

Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, echoed his claim that, should Carlos leave, Villa will look to bring in a replacement.

"I'm told they'd be open to letting him go," he told Football Insider.

"I'm not convinced he fits with the way Villa want to do things and their style of play.

"They've got Konsa and Mings, who's just come back from his injury, ahead of him in the pecking order, and Pau Torres as well.

"But I think there have been concerns at Villa about their centre-backs.

"Emery wants that stability that we talk about at the back because then it lets his midfield and attacking players go and do what they do.

"So if they can move Carlos on, and I think they will if offers arrive, they'll try to bring somebody else in.

"It's one that makes sense because he could go an play more regular football elsewhere, Villa could make some money from the sale and also strengthen their squad."

In other news, Aston Villa could accept offers for Jhon Duran.

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