Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says Morgan Sanson can leave this month.

Sanson, 28, was handed a rare start in the FA Cup last weekend and scored in a standout performance before Villa capitulated against League Two opponents Stevenage.

Emery told BirminghamLive: “I spoke with him. He didn't play a lot here because of different circumstances. He's a very smart guy, a very smart player. He is very skilled and he played very well on Sunday (vs Stevenage).

“I spoke with him and, usually, he has the possibility to leave but, as well, while he's here with us I can use him and, for example, for tomorrow he's in the squad. He has the possibility to play tomorrow and to help us.

“But thinking about the next month with the matches, his future as well and, if he can have some opportunity to leave and to play more minutes than he's playing here, he can leave."