Aston Villa are reportedly preparing to send Nicolo Zaniolo back to his parent club at the end of the season.
Unlikely to sign the Italian midfielder permanently following his loan move from Galatasaray, Villa boss Unai Emery, according to a recent report from Tuttomercato Web, is preparing to sanction the midfielder’s departure.
And although Zaniolo, 24, is likely to end up back in Turkey at the end of the season, it seems his long-term future is far from decided.
It has been reported that at least three Serie A clubs are keen to offer the midfielder a permanent move — AC Milan, Fiorentina and Napoli have all been credited with adding the 24-year-old to their shortlists.
Although Villa have used the playmaker quite frequently throughout the season, there is a general feeling that Emery will opt against a permanent deal and instead look to shake his squad options up ahead of next season.
Lucas Digne is also heavily linked with a departure. This season, according to Fichajes, is expected to be the 30-year-old full-back’s last in the Midlands, and if these latest reports are anything to go by, the Frenchman could be followed out the Villa exit door by Zaniolo.