Celebrity tale

Aston Villa continues to show interest in Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, who is anticipated to leave the club before the end of August, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Birmingham side is monitoring the Portuguese international after his return to Atletico following a season-long loan at Barcelona. Romano notes that Villa might face little competition for Felix if they proceed with a move for the 24-year-old this summer, as both Benfica and Barcelona are not actively pursuing him.

Benfica, which had been linked with a potential return for Felix, has publicly stated that the player is now too costly for them. Barcelona, meanwhile, is focused on signing RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo and has not been in recent contact with Felix.

Aston Villa, looking to add another attacker before the transfer window closes on August 30, remains in the race for Felix, with manager Unai Emery particularly interested in the 24-year-old.

Romano mentioned in his Daily Briefing that Aston Villa is still keen on Felix, though the deal is considered expensive and complex:

“I don’t see Joao Felix staying at Atletico Madrid beyond this month. Aston Villa remains interested in him, and I’ve never ruled them out of the race as Unai Emery is a big fan. It’s an expensive deal and not easy, but Villa is still interested. Benfica has stated publicly that he is too expensive for them, ruling them out. Barcelona is currently focused on signing Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig and has had no recent contact with Felix.”

Villa has been active in the Premier League transfer market this summer, bringing in up to eight new players, with Amadou Onana from Everton and Ian Maatsen from Chelsea being their two most notable acquisitions.

Felix, valued at around £50 million, might finally make a permanent move away from Atletico after two successive loans to Chelsea and Barcelona. His last appearance for Atletico was in January 2023 before a six-month loan to Chelsea, where he scored four goals in 16 appearances. Chelsea chose not to pursue a permanent deal for the Portugal international, who could soon make a Premier League return with Emery and Villa.