Aston Villa midfielder Jordan Veretout is reportedly set to join Saint-Etienne permanently.
According to the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa have agreed to sell midfielder Jordan Veretout to Saint-Etienne in a deal worth around £4.5million.
Villa have made just two signings this summer, bringing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone back to the club on loan from Manchester United, whilst John Terry has also arrived on a free transfer.
Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard in action with St Etienne’s Jordan Veretout
Manager Steve Bruce has so far been prevented from paying transfer fees, with Villa needing to sell before they can buy – and an outgoing appears to be on the verge of completion today.
The Birmingham Mail report that Villa have struck a deal to sell midfielder Jordan Veretout to Saint-Etienne, where he was on loan for the duration of last season.
The deal sees Villa recoup £4.5million, whilst Veretout pens a four-year deal with the Ligue 1 side as he closes in on a permanent return to France, having hit three goals and four assists in 35 appearances.
Veretout, 24, was a major signing for Villa in the summer of 2015 having impressed with Nantes, but he has failed to make an impact at Villa Park, and will now leave with just 29 appearances to his name.
Liverpool’s James Milner in action with Aston Villa’s Jordan Veretout
It’s a particularly swift turnaround for Veretout given that he was on the bench for Villa in Tuesday’s pre-season friendly with Walsall, as he served as an unused substitute in the 0-0 draw.
With his departure expected to be confirmed imminently, Bruce may be given a little more money to spend in the transfer market, with Sky Sports claiming that Villa have activated a release clause in Ahmed Elmohamady’s contract at Hull City.
Do you think Veretout is worth £4.5m?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
