Aston Villa have suffered a potential setback in their pursuit of Endrick, with the Real Madrid forward reportedly keen to remain at the Bernabeu rather than leave on loan this summer.
Unai Emery’s side have shown serious interest in the Brazil international as Villa search for another attacking option before the transfer window closes.
However, Fabrizio Romano reports that Endrick currently wants to stay at Real Madrid. His future will still be discussed with his representatives, while Aston Villa and Roma remain interested in taking him on loan.
Endrick wants Real Madrid stay despite Aston Villa interest
Villa appeared to have been presented with an opportunity to land one of Europe’s highest-rated young forwards.
Real Madrid are prepared to consider another loan after Endrick spent the second half of last season with Lyon. The 20-year-old impressed in France before returning to Spain following the World Cup.
Villa had emerged as one of the clubs pushing hardest for a deal.
ReadAstonVilla reported earlier today that Napoli had shown little interest in signing Endrick, which appeared to remove one potential rival from the race.
The latest update changes the picture again.
Endrick’s preference is to fight for his place at Real Madrid, despite significant competition for minutes. A discussion with his agents could still influence what happens before the window closes.
Villa can offer Champions League football under Emery and have been looking for greater depth around Ollie Watkins following significant changes to their attack this summer.
Roma are also interested and would provide another European option if Endrick eventually accepts that regular football away from Madrid is the best route.
There is no indication that Villa have completely withdrawn from the race.
For now, though, the biggest obstacle may no longer be another interested club. Villa first need Endrick to change his mind about leaving Real Madrid.
