Mateu Alemany has reportedly pulled out of a potential deal to become Aston Villa's new director of football after a visit to Birmingham.
The current Barcelona director has been linked with Villa for a few weeks now, much to the excitement of fans of the club.
Added with Unai Emery's incredible start since taking over from Steven Gerrard, it seemed as though Villa fans were going to be a force to be reckoned with next season, with Alemany's arrival.
However, according to the latest reports, Alemany has decided to stay with Barcelona instead of join the Premier League side.
According to Spanish football journalist Gerard Romero, Alemany changed his mind specifically after his visit to Birmingham.
Mateu Alemany to reject Aston Villa
Birmingham Live have reported that Alemany and Emery were said to have been plotting the summer transfer window together, with a number of players from La Liga on their shopping list.
Emery will have to go back to the drawing board now, as Villa will likely continue their hunt for a new director of football.
While Barcelona have certainly made some questionable decisions in the transfer market over the past number of years, Alemany remains extremely highly rated in the world of football, and many were questioning just how Villa were going to pull off bringing him to the Midlands.
Villa will spend the remaining days of the Premier League season battling it out for a spot in any of the European competitions, thanks to their impressive form since Emery took over.
Currently in 8th place, they are just one point off Brighton in sixth, and will be dreaming of Europa League football next season.
While many teams may sigh at the prospect of Europe's lesser competition, with Emery's track record, Villa fans might just feel like it could be a shot at silverware next year.
