‘Out of hand’ - Aston Villa, Man Utd, Spurs & Brighton turn down World Cup request for 6 players

Aston Villa, Brighton, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all reportedly set to reject a World Cup nation’s request ahead of the upcoming tournament in Qatar. All four Premier League clubs are said to see the proposal as unacceptable.

The Daily Mail reports the Argentinian FA are keen on their English top-flight players being left out of the final round of league fixtures before the World Cup begins. One club is said to have already received such a request, and swiftly turned it down.

It is expected the other three will act in a similar manner - with firm resistance. Sportsmail claims the one club spoken to already thought the request was “out of hand”, as Argentina want their stars available as early as November 12. FIFA rules restrict clubs from releasing their players until Monday, November 14.

There are six Argentine footballers currently playing in the Premier League, including Villans goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia. Both have played key roles at times this season, despite a disappointing start to the campaign at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, defender Lisandro Martinez and winger Alejandro Garnacho often feature for United, playmaker Alexis Mac Allister dons the stripes for Brighton, and Cristian Romero represents Spurs. The World Cup gets underway on Sunday, November 20.