(Football news) Aston Villa are hoping to conclude a deal for Alex Moreno this month after nearing a breakthrough in negotiations with Real Betis. The 29-year-old left-back has been on the radar of Aston Villa for years now and it seems that the West Midlands club can pull off the deal for Moreno before the winter transfer window closes.

Unai Emery after a bright start to his managerial career at Villa is looking to improve his defensive unit this month, and Moreno could prove to be a vital acquisition. The 29-year-old has the experience to adapt to English football and make an immediate impact in the squad. Moreno this season has been a key player for Real Betis where he has shown his defensive quality in the La Liga and the UEFA Europa League. The Spanish left-back has got three assists to his name as well and his arrival will certainly help Villa tighten up the leaky defence.

Emery replaced Steven Gerrard as the Aston Villa manager this season and the Villans have certainly shown signs of improvement since this arrival. In his first five matches in the Premier League, Emery guided them to wins over Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. They only lost to Liverpool in that period in the Premier League as Villa are close to breaking into the top half of the standings as Emery will look to secure a strong finish to the season. The Aston Villa manager is also looking to sign a quality attacker and have targeted Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze

According to rumours, Aston Villa will look to complete the two transfers this month. The arrival of Moreno could signal a potential departure from Aston Villa as the likes of Lucas Digne or Ludwig Augustinsson could leave the club. Digne has done well since joining Aston Villa, and it will be surprising if he leaves the club but that said, the Frenchman wants to play regular first-team football and Emery might not be able to provide him with that assurance especially if they sign Moreno.

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