Lucas Digne attracts interest from Al-Hilal no more than 18 months after moving to Aston Villa – with the defender the latest Premier League star to be targeted by Saudi parties

Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne is a target for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal less than 18 months after joining the club in a £25 million deal.

The French full-back is unlikely to be part of coach Unai Emery’s first choice in the upcoming season and Saudi sources have indicated that Al-Hilal – who have already signed Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly from Wolves and Chelsea respectively – will push through. with a move for Digne.

Mail Sport revealed on July 14 that Villa were open to offers for Digne, even though that was disputed in certain circles at the time.

Serie A champions Napoli, led by Frenchman Rudi Garcia, showed tentative interest, but Digne’s high wages made it difficult to secure a deal.

Digne has proven himself at the highest level and has successfully worked in France, Italy, Spain and England.

But boss Unai Emery brought in Spanish left-back Alex Moreno last January, two months after succeeding Steven Gerrard as manager, and it quickly became clear that Moreno was the main man.

Emery and his coaching staff also believe Pau Torres, this summer’s £31 million signing from Villarreal, can operate as a left-back, with an attacking right-back on the other flank.

This would allow Villa to switch to a back three in possession, with the right-back operating high up the field.

As well as Torres, Villa have also signed midfielder Youri Tielemans, who went on a free transfer after his contract with Leicester expired, and striker Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, who could cost the club more than £45m if all conditions are met. .