Report: Aston Villa full-back Ritchie De Laet close to loan move to Royal Antwerp

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The 29-year-old has barely featured for Aston Villa in the last two seasons and is desperate for some minutes on the pitch.

According to the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa defender Ritchie De Laet, 29, is close to securing a loan move back to his hometown team, Royal Antwerp.

The Belgian full-back has only featured 10 times across the last two seasons for Villa and has only made four appearances in the Championship this time round.

It is believed he is very keen on a move back to his native land, specifically to the club that gave him his professional debut as a youngster back in 2006/2007.

De Laet is a former Premier League winner, picking up a medal as a part of the unbelievable Leicester City squad from 2015/2016.

The 29-year-old also spent four years as a Manchester United player, although he barely featured for the Red Devils and spent most of the time on loan elsewhere.

Injuries have severely hampered De Laet’s chances at Villa and he was out for most of last season.

Despite working hard to get back to full fitness, Villa boss Steve Bruce is keen on the player having six months away to play himself back into form and get some minutes on the pitch.

In other Villa news, the Birmingham club are believed to be working their way towards deals to bring both Axel Tuanzebe from Manchester United and Leonardo Ulloa from Leicester City on loan to Villa Park for the rest of the season.

Villa currently sit fourth in the Championship table, 12 points behind leaders Wolves.