Aston Villa are close to completing a £12m deal for Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno

Aston Villa complete the £12million signing of left-back Alex Moreno from Real Betis in what will be their first deal of the January transfer window.

However, the impending purchase will raise questions about the future of Lucas Digne – who joined the club in a £25million move from Everton just a year ago, has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal and is one of the club’s highest earners.

Moreno has not traveled to Saudi Arabia with Betis’ squad for the Spanish Super Cup mini-tournament as he awaits developments on a move to the Premier League.

Aston Villa are close to completing a £12m deal for Real Betis defender Alex Moreno

Moreno becomes Unai Emery’s first signing for Villa as he seeks to strengthen his team

However, Moreno’s arrival could have implications for Lucas Digne’s future at Aston Villa

Boss Unai Emery was quick to identify Moreno, 29, as a priority target for this window despite already having Lucas Digne and Ludwig Augustinsson at senior left-backs, while Ashley Young can play there too.

Moreno turned down the chance to join Nottingham Forest last summer but the presence of compatriot Emery at Villa could persuade him to leave Betis. If the clubs can agree on a fee, personal conditions should not be an obstacle.

Villa’s billionaire owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will support Emery in the winter market and pumped a further £13.5million into the club’s coffers last week.

Emery has won three of his five league games in charge and drawn one since Steven Gerrard was sacked and, alongside interest in Moreno, is keen to sign at least one wide attacker. Emery is interested in former Everton and Watford player Gerard Deulofeu, who plays for Udinese.

Aside from Moreno, Villa centre-back Kortney Heimat is in talks to end his loan to Watford as he begins a rehabilitation program from his knee injury. He is expected to be out for another six weeks.

Emery is interested in signing former Everton and Watford player Gerard Deulofeu