Unai Emery to assess Aston Villa midfielder as suitors circle..
Villa boss Unai Emery is expected to assess Enzo Barrenechea in pre-season amid serious interest from Europe in the midfielder.
Real Betis are among the clubs keen to sign the 24-year-old, who impressed during a season-long loan spell at Valencia.
Barrenechea joined Villa from Juventus a year ago for £6.7million at the same time Douglas Luiz moved in the other direction for £42.5m, a deal which was crucial to the club complying with profit and sustainability rules.
Emery now wants to take a closer look at Barrenechea before giving the green light to any departure, either on loan or permanently, before the start of the season.
Speaking earlier this month about the Argentine, Villa’s president of football operations Monchi said he was wanted by “many European clubs.”
He said: “We have to decide if Unai wants to consider him.
“It’s true that we have many important players in that position, including McGinn, Onana, Kamara, and Barkley. But Enzo has done what was intended. After his time at Frosinone, he would take a step forward, and he has.”
Reports in Spain have suggested Barrenechea could be used as a possible makeweight in a deal for Jesus Rodriguez, the Betis winger who is on Villa’s list of targets.
Betis are also thought to be keen on left-back Alex Moreno, a player who will be allowed to leave Villa this summer for the right fee.
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