Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino will remain at the club, despite ‘insistence’ from Aston Villa and Unai Emery over a possible transfer.
That’s according to AS, who say the player will not be making the move to Villa Park any time soon as he is happy where he is.
They report that Merino will be staying with La Real in the January transfer window despite the fact that Emery and Aston Villa have been ‘very insistent’ about a move.
Merino ‘has no intention’ of leaving the San Sebastian club and he has neither thought about doing so or spoken to his representatives about the possibility of it happening.
That is despite Aston Villa showing an interest in him as part of Emery’s rebuild. They have tried to establish contact and make something happen but always been met with a ‘negative response’ from the player.
He is happy where he is and has no reason to change his mind at this point of his career. He has been advised by his entourage, led by his father Miguel, to remain where he is at Real Sociedad for the time being.
Thus, AS say that there is no need for Aston Villa to be ‘more entangled’ with Merino as he doesn’t want the move.
Indeed, the newspaper goes one further and says ‘there is no point’ to the English media insisting they are keen as nothing will come of it.
While the fact that Emery wants the midfielder at Villa is ‘logical’ talking of it makes little sense as Aston Villa would have to convince the player and reach an agreement before paying his €65m release clause. The first is not possible so the latter won’t be happening.
That could change in the future but for now he is happy where he is and won’t even contemplate moving in January, meaning Villa would be wise to turn their attentions elsewhere.
