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Dan Bardell predicts late Aston Villa move to sign João Félix despite Barcelona claims
We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Aston Villa-linked star João Félix could be set for a move to Villa Park as they are the only “real” club vying for his signature but a deal may not be completed until late in the window, according to Dan Bardell.
Felix was a victim of Chelsea’s “basketcase” season after joining on loan in January. However, he managed to score four goals in 20 appearances in West London and Unai Emery is said to be a big admirer of the Portugal international.
After his £113million move from Benfica to Atlético Madrid [The Guardian], Felix has failed to live up to his huge price tag and Diego Simeone’s side are reportedly willing to sell him [Mundo Deportivo]. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old has been courting Barcelona after telling Fabrizio Romano he wants a move to Camp Nou.
However, Bardell claims that Villa could utilise a “clever” loan deal to secure Felix’s services and are said to be keen on working with Felix’s super agent Jorge Mendes. However, Villa may have to wait until late in the window to see if other clubs come in for him.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “It’s clear that Emery is a big fan of Joao Felix and would be keen to get that deal done. It sounds like from what people are saying that Villa are the only real team that are in for Felix at the moment.
“He’s turned Villa down once in January but the club are desperate to work with his agent Jorge Mendes. He was heavily involved in getting Emery into the club and sorting that deal. From what I’ve heard the club are really keen to work with Mendes.
“I wonder if Villa can utilise a relationship and get Felix in, that would be a huge signing. I think he was quite good at Chelsea last season.
“He’s been at Atlético Madrid which doesn’t really suit him. He’s gone to Chelsea who were an absolute basketcase club last season, it would have been hard for anyone to go in there and do well.
“But he managed to score a few goals and looked lively whenever I saw him play. If Villa can do a clever loan, I think Emery would be really keen on that.
“No Champions League clubs are in for him. The Premier League is the place to be and I truly believe that. Felix has had a brief taste of that at Chelsea.
“But he has been sounding out Barcelona to try and get him, but it looks like that’s not going to happen because they have no money. They need to sell players and it’s always a worry for them registering players. So they’re not going to be able to go and get Felix with his wages.
“This is one where, if the window goes on and he hasn’t moved, I think it’s more likely that you’ll see him at Villa Park.”
In other Aston Villa news, Bardell makes a huge claim about the club’s new signings and predicts their path into starting action.