Sources: Marc Bernal to Aston Villa update revealed
Aston Villa do not have the financial capability to secure a move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Spanish giants do not want to lose their academy product any time soon, and are set to place a significant valuation on him to ward off any interest.
Recent reports have suggested that Villa are preparing a £30million move for the 19-year-old, but it is understood that a fee of that level would not get close to Barcelona's true asking price.
Instead, sources have indicated that Unai Emery and Co. are scouring the loan market to bolster their midfield ranks.
Finances are tight once again at Villa Park, and the club are unable to splash big money on another midfielder, despite having Champions League football.
Bernal made 33 appearances in all competitions last term, and is seen as a huge talent by Barcelona, who would only let him go for a premium price.
Aston Villa already in talks to loan midfielder
Villa have already spent big in their midfield this summer, with Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes arriving for a combined fee of over £80m.
Despite the British-record sale of Morgan Rogers, that looks set to be effectively the full extent of the club's spending in the summer window, as they are once again constrained by SCR.
As a result, the recruitment team have now turned their attention towards more cost-effective options, and that has led to them chasing Joao Palhinha.
The Villans have already held talks over a season-long loan deal for the ex-Tottenham man, with Bayern Munich ready to move him out the door at all costs.
Football Insider also revealed earlier this week that Emery and Co. remain the "frontrunners" to sign the Portuguese at the moment, despite Newcastle recently joining the race.
Villa are keen to include a purchase option as part of the deal, in order to push any potential fee later down the line.
Aston Villa prepared to accept Emi Martinez offer
Football Insider revealed last week that Villa are prepared to cash in on goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this summer, in order to help keep key centre-back Ezri Konsa.
Inter Milan have been working on a deal for the shot-stopper all summer, while Arsenal have recently made another attempt to prise Konsa away.
Villa are planning to reluctantly make another big sale before the 1 September transfer deadline, and they would rather lose Martinez if given the choice.
With that in mind, they will seriously consider any offers that come their way for the veteran gloveman, even if it leaves them with little time to secure a replacement.