Alex Moreno of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match against Arsenal
Alex Moreno is on loan at Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa loanee Àlex Moreno has been linked with a shock return to former club Real Betis after missing out on the last match day squad for loan club Nottingham Forest.
Moreno was not included in the squad for Forest's 3-2 victory over Manchester United with boss Nuno Espírito Santo stating that the Spaniard had "reached his limit".
After starting the season strongly for the Tricky Trees, the 31-year-old has become the subject of some rotation of late, not starting in two of the last three fixtures, Neco Williams preferred over him. Moreno had a tough game against Manchester City in Forest's 3-0 defeat, with the Reds manager opting to not call him up for the following game against the Red Devils.
Due to the nature of his loan contract, Moreno is ineligible for Forest's next match against parent club Villa, which Espírito Santo also cited as a reason for his omission at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, former side Betis are considering the sale of left back Ricardo Rodríguez as he undergoes a period of poor form, with other summer signing Romain Perraud struggling to meet demands as well. They also let go of Brazilian Abner Vinicius in the summer and so are looking to strengthen in the left back position.
According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Moreno's name has come into the fold for a potential return to the Seville-based club.
The Spanish full back recently reminded fans of his affection for the Green and Whites when he responded publicly on X to a Betis fan who had posted his 'Dragon Ball' celebration.
The sale of Moreno would not cause Villa too much discomfort given that he was allowed to leave on loan in the summer as Unai Emery preferred Lucas Digne and brought in Ian Maatsen to compete with the Frenchman.
He began life well at Villa Park after joining in January 2023 and became a key part of how Emery's Villa played, however injury meant that Digne was allowed to chance to claim the spot back which he took with both hands, being one of the Villans' most consistent performers this season.
Should Villa sell Moreno? Tell us here