Aston Villa have summer decision to make regarding full-back who returned in January

Kaine Kesler-Hayden returned to Aston Villa in January after spending the first-half of this season out on loan in the Championship at Plymouth Argyle.

Unai Emery gave the right-back the green light to link up with the Pilgrims on a temporary basis last summer to help him get some more experience under his belt.

Kesler-Hayden, 21, went on to make 27 appearances in all competition during his time at Home Park, 24 of which came in the league, before heading back to Villa Park earlier this winter.

He didn't end up leaving Aston Villa again for another club before the deadline and has remained in the Midlands until the next window at least.

Emery has a big decision to make on what to do with him next term. The England youth international's chances of nailing down a place in the starting XI are slim due to Matty Cash being in his position.

Game time needed

Another loan exit would boost his development and give him a chance to show what he can do in a different league. His contract expires in June 2026.

Kesler-Hayden has been on the books of his current club for his whole career to date and has played twice for the senior team, as well as having other stints away at Swindon Town, MK Dons and Huddersfield Town in the past.

If he was to be made available again, there is no doubt that he would have takers. It just depends on whether Aston Villa feel that they have enough cover in defence.