Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been asked about the club being unable to hire Mateu Alemany.

The Barcelona director of football has chosen to remain with the Catalan club for the moment.

Alemany was expected to sign up for a similar role at Villa, in a bid to assist Emery in building a squad capable of finishing higher up in the Premier League.

Asked about the matter in a press conference, Emery stated: “It was two weeks ago we were speaking about the possibility for him to come here, it was positive and, in the end, he's not coming. We will continue in our project and build up as a club and a team.

“He is a very good professional with experience. I know him, I sometimes meet with him. But we're very focused here with the project we have in front. We will try to analyze someone to help us. But now, Mateu Alemany will stay in Barcelona."

Emery added: “He is in Barcelona and he will continue there. What is the reason? I think Barcelona is a very good team. We were speaking about the possibility but he decided to continue in Barcelona. He's very respectful with us and, with his decision, we are respectful as well."