Everton boss Rafael Benitez has insisted that Lucas Digne's departure is "good business" for the club.
Benitez says it is "positive" to replace a player that will turn 29 this year with young players.
"I am the manager and I take the responsibilities of my decisions," said the Spaniard, 61.
"It is to think of the team and the future of the club. We have to move forward and think about that."
Digne, who signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Villa Park, said he did not expect his time at Everton "to end this way" and added that "sometimes it only takes one person from outside to destroy a beautiful love affair" in an Instagram post.