Villarreal playmaker Alex Baena was one of two Spain internationals to secure gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics and win Euro 2024 alongside Fermin Lopez. He was also a fixture for Villarreal last season, when he led La Liga for assists last season.

Baena, 23, was expected to be one of the big names of the summer transfer window, with a €60m release clause. Led by Unai Emery, his former coach, and ex-Sevilla Sporting Director Monchi, Aston Villa were heavily linked with him early in the summer.

Matteo Moretto has confirmed on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing that Villa did enquire about Baena, but that things went no further than that. A second Premier League side, also looking for a central midfielder, has also enquired about his availability, but with four days to go in the market, are yet to make a move.

Baena has already demonstrated just how crucial he is to the Yellow Submarine in their opening two La Liga games. He forced an own goal against Atletico Madrid, before assisting Arnaut Danjuma against Sevilla, the difference between four points and one. Previously he has been linked to Barcelona and Atletico in Spain.