Aston Villa have reportedly made contact over a possible move for AC Milan left-back Pervis Estupiñán.
The Ecuador international is expected to be available this summer after losing his starting place during a difficult first season at San Siro.
According to a report relaying transfer journalist Matteo Moretto, Villa have asked Milan about the conditions and potential cost of a deal.
No formal written offer has been submitted. However, initial contact has taken place to establish whether a transfer would be possible.
Estupiñán joined Milan from Brighton last summer for a fee reported to be below €20million. He later fell behind academy graduate Davide Bartesaghi in the left-back order.
Estupiñán enquiry raises Villa left-back question
The 28-year-old would offer proven Premier League experience after making more than 80 appearances for Brighton.
He is comfortable carrying the ball forward and provides attacking width from full-back, qualities which could suit Unai Emery’s system.
However, Villa already have Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen competing on the left side of defence.
ReadAstonVilla previously reported that Villa could move one of Digne or Maatsen on as Emery considers reshaping the position.
An Estupiñán move would therefore be difficult to separate from the futures of Villa’s current options.
Digne provided experience and consistency last season, while Maatsen represents a significant long-term investment. Adding another senior left-back without a departure would leave the squad overloaded in one area.
Estupiñán’s availability may still present Villa with a market opportunity. Milan appear ready to listen to offers, while his previous performances at Brighton showed he can operate effectively in England.
For now, the talks remain at an exploratory stage.
Villa have established the financial conditions of a possible deal. Their next move may depend on whether Emery creates space in his squad first.
