Steve Mandanda hints at possible Marseille exit, Aston Villa reportedly interested

Steve Mandanda could be set for a change of scenery when the January transfer window opens.

The Marseille netminder added fuel to reports he's close to leaving the Ligue 1 side by hinting at a possible exit during the upcoming transfer season.

While he didn't address specific rumours linking him with a move to Premier League basement dwellers Aston Villa, Mandanda did little to dispel speculation he could be in a new uniform when the calendar turns to February.

"I'm certain to come back (to Marseille) because we restart training on December 27," he told Canal+, with translation from ESPNFC's Mark Rodden. "It pleases you if I fuel the uncertainty and it pleases me too."

Mandanda's contract - which is set to expire in the summer - has a clause that it will automatically be renewed if Marseille qualifies for the Champions League, according to French outlet RMC. The feat doesn't seem likely considering the team's position in the middle of the table in 10th place.

Villa manager Remi Garde, who managed Lyon before moving to England this season, reportedly is eager to add the 30-year-old in an effort to avoid relegation.