Enzo Barrenechea
Enzo Barrenechea spent last season on loan at Valencia
Aston Villa midfielder Enzo Barrenechea isn't likely to make a move to Real Betis this summer, after the Europa Conference League runners up identified Inter Milan midfielder Kristjan Asllani as an alternative transfer target.
Argentine Barrenechea, called up to the national team this past season as recognition for his exploits while out on loan in Spain with Valencia, who under Carlos Corberan rose up the La Liga table in the second half of the season, from relegation danger to an outside chance of European football which didn't quite materialise.
Barrenechea was a key component of that side and Villa's president of football operations Monchi previously said that a number of clubs were interested in signing the player on a permanent basis this summer. He still has four years remaining on his existing contract at Villa, who he hasn't actually featured in a competitive environment for yet.
Villa aren't short on midfielders; they've the likes of Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, John McGinn, Ross Barkley and Jacob Ramsey, while Barrenechea's fellow loanee Leander Dendoncker is set to leave the club on a permanent basis this summer window too. It's been reported that they'd be open to selling Barrenechea, too.
A claim made by Spanish newspaper ABC Sevilla on Tuesday reads that Betis have turned their attentions to Asllani, as they look for a replacement for Johnny Cardoso, who is set to move to La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid. That's because they've considered the asking price from Villa for Barrenechea to be 'absurd'.
It's been previously reported that €10m would be enough to tempt Villa into parting with the player, who only arrived along with teammate Samuel Iling-Junior, from Juventus last summer as part of negotiations which also involved Douglas Luiz heading in the opposite direction.
adidas Aston Villa range - how to get yours!
Aston Villa have announced that they are selling a new range of fashion items that fans are going to be clamouring to get hold of ahead of the new season - including a limited edition of the iconic adidas Samba range.
The Villa colours are displayed on the trainers and they also show off the Villa badge. You can get your pair here
You can also find an adidas DNA hoody which comes in simple Villa colours and a low key traditional adidas design. That can be bought here
The same design can be found on classic adidas track top on offer, this is the type of track top that fans love to wear - that can be bought here
The DNA range continues with a claret and blue t-shirt - found here, and on the training pants which can also be matched with any of the items - they are here
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