Aston Villa need Matty Cash rival as contact made for Sevilla star Gonzalo Montiel

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…

Alan Hutton believes Aston Villa will want to sign a new right-back before the summer transfer window closes amid links to Sevilla's Gonzalo Montiel.

Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo reported on 4 August that Villa, who hired Monchi from Sevilla earlier this summer, are showing an interest in the 26-year-old Argentina right-back.

It is understood there has been contact between Villa and Sevilla but there is also interest from Russia.

Montiel won the World Cup with Argentina last year, playing as an extra-time substitute in the final against France and then scoring the match-winning penalty in the shoot-out.

He then repeated that feat for Sevilla in the Europa League as they beat Roma in the final at the end of May.

Hutton would like to see extra cover in the right-back area following Ashley Young's exit at the end of last season.

"It's probably an area they're looking for competition," Hutton told Villa News.

"Matty Cash has done really well since he's come in but obviously, with Ashley Young leaving, that was Unai Emery's go-to guy if Cash was ever injured.

"I think there is space to bring somebody in to rival Cash for that spot.

"It's something they'll probably look at but they'll be doing this to the whole squad. 'Where do we bring in competition? Where can we bring players in to strengthen?'

"They're going for European football again this year and they're obviously in Europe as well. They'll be playing a lot of games so they need strength in depth in the squad."

In other Aston Villa news, Emery could be boosted by the signing of a Manchester City player who’s linked with a move to Villa Park.