Aston Villa target turns down La Liga contract ahead of possible summer switch

Aston Villa target Mario Hermoso will not be signing a new deal at Atletico Madrid, according to CalcioMercato reporter Daniele Longo on X.

The door could swing open for Unai Emery's side to swoop in for him on a free transfer this summer.

Hermoso, 28, could be seen by Aston Villa as someone to bolster their defensive department ahead of the next campaign.

The Midlands outfit are hoping to be in the Champions League next term and are currently sat in 4th place in the Premier League table ahead of Tottenham Hotspur.

Hermoso has been on the books at Atletico Madrid since 2019 and has made 165 appearances in all competitions, 36 of which have come this season, and he has scored 10 goals. He won the La Liga title under Diego Simeone's side back in 2021.

He rose up through the academy at Real Madrid and represented them at various youth levels as a youngster.

The defender then went on to play for Espanyol after a loan spell at Real Vallodolid before he was snapped up by his current club.

Hermoso has never played away from Spain and a move to Aston Villa would be a new challenge for him. However, nothing has been decided yet.

Emery's focus will now be on this weekend's clash against rivals Wolves as they prepare for their return following the international break.

The next transfer window gives them a chance to bolster their ranks and improve certain positions where necessary as the club continues to move forward.