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Unai Emery favourite 'crazy' about transfer after renewed Aston Villa interest
Days after Aston Villa were said to have renewed their interest, reported transfer target Alex Baena is claimed to have decided he will only depart Villarreal for Barcelona.
The 23-year-old playmaker is well-known with Unai Emery, who gave him his full La Liga debut four years ago when both at the same club. Emery has of course moved on since then, constantly rumoured to have held an admiration that could amount to a full scale offer, whilst Baena has gone and leaps and bounds too, currently sitting joint-second in the Spanish top-flight's assist charts.
Ahead of the January transfer window it has been suggested Villa would soon move for the man who can play as an attacking midfielder or winger - an area currently troubled by injuries. However, a follow-up report has handed the worst possible response before this renewed interest can be acted upon.
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According to SPORT, as the transfer rumour begins to turn again Baena is first of all happy in current surroundings at La Ceramica. He is well aware of Premier League interest, however if he were to ever leave then he is 'loco' only for a switch to La Liga giants Barcelona.
The player hasn't exactly been subtle about this either, with quotes from just a few weeks ago referenced where he admitted the style of new Blaugrana boss Hansi Flick 'would benefit himself'.
So if Baena were truly a top target for Emery heading into future transfer windows, this stance would certainly make it difficult to get the player to budge. The only solace that Villa can take is from the suggestion that the player's €60m (£49.8m) release clause looks like it would be a major stumbling block for cash-strapped Barca.
That clause is attached to a contract that is valid for four more years until 2028, but then again last weekend's prior report on the matter did suggest Villarreal are willing to negotiate with any buyer at lesser terms of around €40m (£33.2m).
