Aston Villa are open to offers for Lucas Digne – just 18 months after his £25m arrival from Everton

Aston Villa will listen to offers for Lucas Digne as boss Unai Emery continues to stamp his mark on his squad ahead of the new season.

Digne was signed by Villa only 18 months ago under Emery’s predecessor Steven Gerrard, but may now be available this summer as Alex Moreno – bought from Real Betis last January – is the clear first choice at left-back.

Digne, 29, cost close to £25million from Everton and is one of the top earners at Villa, after signing a deal worth more than £100,000 a week.

Villa have already brought in defender Pau Torres from Villarreal for £31million as well as midfielder Youri Tielemans, who arrived on a free transfer after running down his contract at Leicester.

Digne is proven at the top level of European football having operated in France, Spain and Italy as well as England.

New Napoli boss Rudi Garcia brought Digne to Roma on loan from Paris St Germain in 2015-16 and player and coach continue to admire each other.

If Mario Rui leaves the Italian champions this summer, Digne could link up again with his former coach, if an agreement could be found on wages.

Villa continue to work on possible signings and remain in dialogue with Bayer Leverkusen after their original bid of about £30m for attacker Moussa Diaby was knocked back.

The Frenchman was on Villa’s radar two years ago after they sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City and the club are likely to have to break their transfer record – currently the £40m paid for Emiliano Buendia in 2021 – to sign him.