Details have emerged of another transfer knock back from the January window with reports that Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez rejected approaches from both Aston Villa and Manchester United.

According to a report in Spain, the 21-year-old’s impressive form has caught the eye of a number of top sides. Both Villa and United, says Spanish outlet SPORT, tried to convince him to move to the Premier League, indicating a willingness to pay a transfer fee of €70m (£58.3m) to get a deal done.

Fermin is proving to be a key squad player for Barcelona and ended January strongly in a 7-1 win over Valencia, netting two goals and racking up a further two assists for his club.

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Fermin, it is claimed, snubbed the approaches and made it clear his focus is on establishing himself at Barcelona who pledged their commitment to the player in October 2024 when he signed a new five-year contract with a release clause of €500m (£416.5m), meaning they are under no pressure to entertain offers.

Villa are no strangers to being linked with Fermin who was reported by SPORT again last March to have been plotting a move for the promising young player last summer.