Unai Emery thrilled as Aston Villa in advanced talks to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after Liverpool news

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park… 

Unai Emery will be thrilled if Aston Villa can sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer, according to Alan Hutton.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 29, will leave Anfield at the end of this month with Liverpool confirming on 17 May that he'll be released when his contract expires.

Football Insider reported on 12 June that Villa are now in advanced talks to sign the former Arsenal midfielder on a free.

Villa have already agreed a deal to sign Youri Tielemans on a free transfer this summer with him leaving Leicester after their relegation from the Premier League.

Hutton is happy with the potential signing of Oxlade-Chamberlain as he's a player who can play pretty much everywhere in the midfield.

"There's a possibility there," Hutton told Villa News.

"He's the type who can play in multiple positions, he's versatile.

"It would be a free transfer but he's still at an age where he's got a lot of football in him.

"I think with his club and international experience, he can instantly make the squad stronger.

"If Aston Villa can get that done, Unai Emery will be very happy."

Oxlade-Chamberlain only played 13 times in all competitions for Liverpool last season, starting just four times in the Premier League.

He scored one goal in those league appearances, netting in a 3-1 defeat to Brentford back in January.

In other Aston Villa news, the club has been backed to complete a £42million-plus transfer for an “outstanding” European player.