Major blow for Unai Emery as Barcelona figure snubs Aston Villa after visiting Birmingham

Mateu Alemany is now ‘reconsidering’ his future and may snub Aston Villa’s interest to remain at Barcelona, according to reports.

The Director of Football looked set to make the switch to Villa Park. However, in a remarkable turn of events, this looks to be off the cards.

Alemany could have helped bring in some big signings for Aston Villa this summer, with Emery set to be given a sizeable budget for the transfer window.

As reported by TEAMtalk, the 60-year-old has already told the Villains to sign two Barcelona players: Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie.

However, according to the Athletic, Alemany has held a meeting with Barcelona to discuss remaining at the Nou Camp instead.

Only earlier this month, the Catalans confirmed he would step away from his role in June – a year before his contract was set to expire – to pursue a new ‘professional project,’ believed to be at Aston Villa.

With that in mind, his reported decision to remain at Barcelona will come as a major shock to Villa supporters.

READ MORE: Sources: Villa hunting quick-fire deal for Southampton star as urgent fix for problematic Emery position

Alemany could reject Villa after training ground visit

In fact, as per the Daily Mail, Alemany even visited Aston Villa’s training ground last week, showing how close the deal must have been to completion.

Back in March, the Director of Football was questioned on the links with Villa in an interview. He said:  “This is a private matter of no great importance. What is certain is that I will stay at Barca [until the end of the season].”

Meanwhile, Barca Sporting Director Jordi Cruyff will not be renewing his contract ‘due to his wish to embark on new professional endeavours.’

In an official club statement on Tuesday, Barcelona said: “He announced his decision this Tuesday morning to president Joan Laporta at an emotional meeting in which he explained that after two years in his position, he is leaving to face new challenges.

“Cruyff has said that he is committed to assisting the club in its transition towards a new executive structure, and will be offering his full support with the closure of outstanding operations in the summer transfer market.

“He also most sincerely thanked the president for his trust and for offering him the chance to come to FC Barcelona two years ago.’

However, it seems Alemany will not be following Cruyff out of the exit door. As mentioned, this could have a detrimental effect on Aston Villa’s transfer plans.

But, Emery is still expected to be given plenty of money to spend in the transfer market. He just won’t have Alemany by his side, if, of course, he does decide to stay at Barcelona.

READ MORE: Aston Villa plot ambitious €55m double raid on Italian giants, with Emery tipped to foil Man Utd plan