Aston Villa transfer news: Villans ‘progressing’ in talks for Lucas Digne replacement

Aston Villa are ‘progressing' in talks to sign AC Milan left-back Pervis Estupinan, according to The Athletic journalist Jacob Tanswell.

Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, and a fee is being discussed.

Estupinan is expected to be a replacement for Lucas Digne, who has underwent a medical ahead of a proposed £8m move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Aston Villa transfer news: Villans ‘progressing' in Estupinan talks

Villa's talks over Estupinan have seemingly accelerated since Ecuador were knocked out of the World Cup.

The South Americans lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico in the round of 32, where Estupinan was an unused substitute.

The left-back had featured in two of Ecuador's three group games, including the impressive 2-1 win against Germany which saw them clinch qualification for the knockouts.

FW Verdict: Villa should back Unai Emery in signing Estupinan

Unai Emery must be backed this window given he delivered Villa the Europa League trophy last season, and qualified them for the Champions League once again.

If he wants to sign Estupinan, then the board should give him his wish.

Admittedly, the 28-year-old struggled at AC Milan last campaign, where he was limited to just 13 Serie A starts and also picked up five yellow cards and one red.

However, he boasts previous pedigree in the Premier League having impressed with Brighton & Hove Albion, and so is a ready-made replacement for Digne once he departs for Paris.

Estupinan is also five years younger than the Frenchman, and boasted a higher pass success percentage (86.7) in Serie A than Digne did in the Premier League (80.8) last season, while also scoring a goal and assisting from left-back.

Estupinan also showed that he can make those lung-busting runs forward with Ecuador at the World Cup, and so should suit Emery's style of play.

If Villa can negotiate a decent fee with Milan for him, which they may be able to off the back of a relatively poor club season, then Estupinan could prove to be a smart signing.