Aston Villa’s search for another right-back is one of their priorities in the closing weeks of the transfer window.

Matty Cash remains Unai Emery’s first choice on the right of Villa’s defence, but the issue is what sits behind him.

Andrés García has joined Getafe on loan after struggling for regular football, and while Kosta Nedeljkovic returned from RB Leipzig, Rangers and other clubs are interested in the Serbia international.

Ezri Konsa and Lamare Bogarde can cover the position, but Emery would rather use Konsa at centre-back, while Bogarde is naturally more comfortable operating in midfield.

Villa need a specialist capable of challenging Cash through a demanding Premier League and Champions League campaign.

Emerson Royal was the first serious option to emerge. Villa opened discussions with Flamengo over the former Tottenham defender and explored the cost of bringing him back to England.

No offer followed and Flamengo’s reluctance to sell made progress difficult, but the next candidate on Villa' shortlist offers a very different profile to Emerson.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka built his reputation as one of the Premier League’s strongest one-v-one defenders at Crystal Palace before Man United paid heavily to sign him in 2019.

He made 190 appearances for United, winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, before moving to West Ham for around £15 million in 2024.

His first campaign in east London was impressive, and Wan-Bissaka was voted West Ham’s player of the year after becoming a reliable figure in a difficult season.

The following year was far less comfortable.

West Ham were relegated and Kyle Walker-Peters eventually moved ahead of him in the pecking order. Wan-Bissaka started only two of the final seven league matches after missing games while representing DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He responded with an encouraging World Cup, starting all four of his country’s matches as DR Congo reached the knockout stage and gave England a scare.

Reports now suggest Villa are among the main contenders for Wan-Bissaka's signature this summer, and discussions have already been held with the Hammers.

Aston Villa hold exploratory talks with West Ham over Aaron Wan-Bissaka deal

According to The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, Villa have held exploratory talks with West Ham about a possible deal.

Wan-Bissaka is one of several right-backs under consideration rather than the subject of an advanced move, and West Ham are reportedly asking for around £25 million, so it remains uncertain whether Villa are prepared to proceed at that valuation.

That price represents a significant increase on West Ham’s original investment, despite the club dropping into the Championship.

They retain leverage because Wan-Bissaka is contracted until 2031. Villa, meanwhile, have little reason to rush into an expensive agreement when they are assessing several positions across the squad.

At the right price, however, the attraction is clear, and Emery has publicly branded the Congolese a 'very good player' before.

Wan-Bissaka would bring vast Premier League experience, elite recovery tackling, pace and the defensive security needed when Villa face dangerous left-wingers.