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Reliable journalist: Ligue 1 return on cards for Aston Villa player as talks confirmed
By Will Butcher
Jordan Veretout is in talks to join Ligue 1 side Saint Etienne, according to a reliable journalist.
Manu Lonjon, who works for French football website Foot Mercato, revealed via his personal Twitter account that the former France under-21 international was in negotiations with Christophe Galtier’s side.
His tweet is translated as: “Confirmation of contacts between the Saint Etienne and Jordan Vérétout (Aston Villa). Talks continue.”
Confirmation de contacts concrets noués entre l'ASSE et Jordan Veretout ( Aston Villa) ! Projet séduisant. pic.twitter.com/GnehyBxbzU
— Manu (@ManuLonjon) August 7, 2016
The 23-year-old could leave Villa Park after being left out of Roberto Di Matteo’s squad for Sunday’s 1-0 Championship defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.
Veretout arrived from Nantes last summer for £7.5million but he was one of many signings who failed to live up to expectations.
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He was a regular under Sherwood and Remi Garde but was frozen out towards the end of the campaign under caretaker boss Eric Black.
The Villa number 17 made 29 appearances in all competitions last season, and is just one year into his five year deal with the Midlands club which could help Di Matteo recoup all of the £7.5million they paid for him last summer.
Saint Etienne performed well in France’s top tier last season, finishing sixth in Ligue 1 and qualifying for the Europa League.
This continental qualification could push Saint Etienne to the front of the queue for Veretout, who has also reportedly interested domestic rivals Marseille, according to L’Equipe.
The French giants failed to qualify for European football last season, which could give Les Verts the edge.
In other Aston Villa transfer news, this senior Villain has been told he can leave in a cut-price deal.