Carles Gil's departure from Aston Villa has reportedly edged closer after Deportivo La Coruna's new sporting director confirmed that the Spanish club would be honouring a compulsory purchase clause.

The 25-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan in Gallicia and played 11 times last term as Depor were relegated from La Liga.

Villa owner Dr Tony Xia claimed last year that Deportivo had an "obligation" to buy Gil this summer, but reports in Spain suggested that relegation would prevent the club from honouring that agreement.

However, new Depor director Carmelo del Pozo told Marca: "Carles Gil's compulsory purchase will be effective, then we will see if he wants to play in Segunda and if he is convinced of playing in Segunda."

Gil joined Villa in 2015 from Valencia and made 34 appearances in 18 months at the club.