TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Aston Villa have missed out on a key target after seeing the deal collapse for a highly-rated La Liga player.
Aston Villa missed out on the Champions League qualification rather controversially on the last day of the season, and will now compete in the Europa League instead.
Missing out on the elite competition has had a significant financial impact on the club, resulting in Villa struggling to keep themselves in check with PSR.
While Marcus Rashford remains a player of interest for Villa, TBR Football understands that another name high on Villa’s wishlist was Real Betis star Jesus Rodriguez.
Jesus Rodriguez celebrates after scoring for Real Betis
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Aston Villa miss out on Real Betis star Jesus Rodriguez
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can confirm that Villa are set to miss out on Spanish prospect Rodriguez.
Villa opened talks to land Rodriguez earlier this month, having watched him closely over the last 12 months.
TBR Football understands that Rodriguez was also open to the prospect of moving to Villa Park and working with Unai Emery, but despite the player willing to make the move, Villa could not reach an agreement with Betis.
And while there was interest from elsewhere as well, including Nottingham Forest, Everton, Brentford and Chelsea, Napoli and Atalanta, Como have won the race to sign the ‘explosive‘ 19-year-old.
The player has agreed personal terms with Cesc Fabregas’ side on a deal worth £23million plus a substantial sell-on clause.
Unai Emery wants Aston Villa to sign Barcelona star Ferran Torres
While they have missed out on Rodriguez, Villa have been linked with a move for Ferran Torres, as reported by TBR Football.
Torres has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona, with most of his appearances last season coming from the bench.
Stat Total
Appearances 45
Starts 19
Substitute Appearances 26
Goals 19
Assists 7
Ferran Torres stats for Barcelona 24/25 across all compeitions
With Barcelona close to signing Nico Williams and also linked with Marcus Rashford, Torres’ role in the team is expected to reduce further.
The 25-year-old could be a great signing for Villa if they fail to sign Rashford as well.