‘Foot and a half at Aston Villa’ – Battle of pride and egos looks like going Villa’s way

Sevilla chief Monchi is close to sorting his future at the Spanish club and already has a ‘foot and a half at Aston Villa’.

That’s according to ABC Sevilla, who say Monchi leaving Sevilla is now ‘practically a fact’ after their very public falling out yesterday during a meeting of the club’s board.

That meeting ‘stages the break’ in their relationship after Monchi was denied the opportunity to present his arguments to the board by José Castro and José María del Nido Carrasco.

He is not allowed to attend such board meetings without permission but has often done so anyway, such is the power he has at the club.

This time around he was denied, though, with the club’s leadership instead making it clear that he will not be allowed to leave on a free.

That position has not sat well with Monchi, who believes it is an unfair stance given his relationship with the club and the fact he was allowed to leave for AS Roma for free in 2017.

Sevilla are determined that won’t happen again, which is why they are now demanding that Aston Villa pay his release clause if they want him.

They seemingly believe that will happen as they have already lined up several possible replacements for their director of football should he go.

When that happens is very much on Aston Villa, though, who will need to pay Monchi’s release clause if they do want him to arrive at Villa Park this summer.