Aston Villa: £16m star 'free to leave' Villa Park

Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson will be ‘free to leave’ the club during the January transfer window, while Johan Lange will look for alternative options in the middle of the park, according to Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece.

Steven Gerrard bolstered his squad with £70 million worth of talent during the summer but plans may already be in place ahead of the turn of the year.

The 28-year-old still has three years remaining on his contract after signing from Marseille in January 2021 on a four-and-a-half-year deal for £16 million.

But he is out of favour under Gerrard at Villa Park and is yet to play a minute of football this season, having only been named in the matchday squad on one occasion.

It appeared the Frenchman could be set for a transfer during the summer window after journalist Sacha Tavolieri revealed Galatasaray wanted to sign him on loan.

Gerrard himself even confessed he was looking to move Sanson on, with the player frustrated with his lack of game time.

But the £48,000 per-week man stayed where he was and will now have to wait until the turn of the year to seal a switch away.

Preece understands that Sanson will be allowed to leave the club during the upcoming transfer period.

The journalist adds that the player has not done enough to earn a spot in Gerrard’s side and that sporting director Lange will look for upgrades.

Preece told GIVEMESPORT: “I think he hasn’t impressed enough ever since he joined really. He’s part of the squad at the moment and will be until the January window reopens. I think Villa will look for a Sanson replacement as well because they need depth in that area. I think Sanson will be free to leave.”

Gerrard has not had much luck in the midfield department so far this