Aston Villa have suffered a major setback in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal, with fresh reports claiming a permanent move is currently beyond their financial reach.
Unai Emery had identified the highly-rated 19-year-old as a major midfield target, but Barcelona are expected to demand considerably more than the £30million Villa had been prepared to offer.
Villa remain in the market for midfield reinforcement following Amadou Onana’s long-term injury and the departure of Youri Tielemans.
ReadAstonVilla reported earlier this month that Villa were preparing to test Barcelona’s resolve with an opening £30million proposal for Bernal.
Aston Villa hit major Marc Bernal transfer obstacle
Football Insider now reports that Villa do not currently have the financial capability to complete a permanent deal for the Barcelona youngster.
Barcelona have no desire to lose their academy graduate and are expected to place a significant valuation on him.
The report claims £30million would fall well short of the figure required to tempt the Spanish champions into negotiations.
Villa are instead expected to concentrate on more affordable structures during the remainder of the transfer window.
That helps explain why João Palhinha has become such an attractive option for Emery.
Villa have been discussing a season-long loan for the Bayern Munich midfielder, potentially allowing them to strengthen immediately without committing another major permanent fee this summer.
Bernal made 33 appearances for Barcelona last season and remains regarded as one of the club’s brightest young midfielders.
Villa’s interest demonstrates the level of player Emery would like to add, but the financial reality of the deal now makes a move increasingly difficult.
Unless Barcelona substantially soften their stance, Villa appear more likely to prioritise a loan addition before the window closes.
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