Rennes set to complete Tottenham transfer ahead of Aston Villa match

Aston Villa could be set to face a familiar face in their final pre-season friendly of the summer as their opponents Rennes are set to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon on loan.

The Wales international has been linked with leaving Spurs on loan all summer, with a host of Premier League clubs linked, including top-flight newcomers Fulham and Nottingham Forest. Ahead of this year's World Cup, Rodon understandably wants regular football.

Just 10 appearances were made across all competitions last season for Tottenham. Underlining that point, the 24-year-old remained as an unused substitute in both matches against Villa last season.

That could be about to change ahead of this weekend, though, as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Rennes are "set to sign" the defender, with a "deal expected to be completed soon" as it is at the "final stages". It could become a more permanent place of work too, as Romano understands that a €20million option to buy is also included.

The Italian journalist also adds that the French side have also completed "medical tests" with another defender, Arthur Theate from Bologna. The Belgium international had been linked with Leicester City earlier this week but now looks like he could be making his Rennes debut against Villa this weekend, if available.