Unai Emery confirms Aston Villa in talks to sell star

Reports in Turkey have claimed an agreement is close and Emery admitted he did not know whether the 31-year-old will remain at the club beyond the end of this month.

Carlos has not played since the turn of the year with Emery claiming on Friday he is “not feeling good” and would not be training.

Asked if the defender could leave this month, he said: “I don't know. The medical report this morning was that he was not feeling good and he is not going to train for tomorrow. 

“I know they are more or less in conversation about the possibility to leave but I don't know. 

“In case someone is leaving we will have to sign another player to replace him.”

Reports in Spain have claimed Villa are close to agreeing a deal for Levante right-back Andres Garcia, though the 21-year-old is very much seen as a player for the future.

Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade remains among Villa’s targets.

Emery’s first signing of the January window, Donyell Malen, could make his debut in Saturday’s Premier League match with Arsenal.

The Villa boss said: “He (Malen) is usually playing as a No.7 sometimes as an No.11 on the side, sometimes can play as a No.10. 

“He is always close to the attacking third, close to the opponent's box to score goals and assist. We need a player like him to try and threaten the opponent.”