Aston Villa's Digne is attracting interest from Al-Hilal 18 months after move

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 £25million deal.

The France full-back is unlikely to be part of boss Unai Emery’s first-choice starting XI in the season ahead and Saudi sources have indicated Al-Hilal - who have already signed Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly from Wolves and Chelsea respectively - are pressing ahead with a move for Digne.

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

Serie A champions Napoli, managed by Frenchman Rudi Garcia, showed a tentative interest yet Digne’s high wages made any deal difficult to deliver.

Digne is proven at the top level having operated successfully 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 Moreno was the main man.

Emery and his coaching staff also believe Pau Torres, this summer’s £31million capture from Villarreal, can operate at left-back, with an attacking right-back on the opposite 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 brought in midfielder Youri Tielemans, who arrived on a free transfer after running down his contract at Leicester, and attacker Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, who could cost the club more than £45m if all conditions are met.