But the plug was pulled on the deal and the former Everton and Manchester City stopper headed home.
Villa gaffer Di Matteo scotched reports that the 34-year-old failed a medical and made no mention of “family reasons” that had earlier been cited as the reason behind the unexpected collapse of the transfer.
Instead, the Italian declared the terms on offer were the deal-breaker.
He said: “He passed the medical but they didn’t agree personal terms so the move has fallen through and he is back with us now.”
Former Arsenal defender Senderos now becomes Mark Warburton’s Plan B.
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Rangers will now offer Philippe Senderos will be offered a contract at Rangers
Senderos spent three days on trial in Glasgow before jetting back to Geneva as the Lescott deal edged closer.
The 31-year-old was always due to return to Rangers for more training and talks, and these have now become more urgent.
Warburton hopes to complete a £1.5million move for Preston striker Joe Garner over the weekend.
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