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Loaned to Porto last season, Aly Cissokho quickly returned to Aston Villa after Rémi Garde took over from Tim Sherwood.

Cancelling his loan with the Portuguese club, the French left-back was brought back to the Midlands to provide cover for the injured Jordan Amavi, as well as escaping from a small nightmare after he was left out repeatedly by Julen Lopetegui.

Making 18 league appearances for the then Premier League club over the second-half of the season, the 28-year-old left-back might not exactly be thrilled at the prospect of Championship football, unless Roberto Di Matteo proves to be very convincing.

On the other hand, if the Italian manager decides he doesn’t need the defender, there are a few options waiting for him in France, were he to need them

According to La Gazette des Transferts, Cissokho is being followed closely by both Saint-Etienne and Rennes, with the former of the two losing Franck Tabanou back to Swansea after the left-back returned on loan during the second half of the season.

Bought for £2m, the Championship club might be tempted to let him go permanently if anyone offers them to make their money back.