The latest transfer news as an elite midfielder nears a move to Fenerbahce instead of Aston Villa.

Aston Villa may have to move on to alternative attacking midfield targets as Marco Asensio is reportedly closing in on a move to Fenerbahce.

Birmingham World understands Villa had discussed the possibility of signing Asensio permanently following his successful six-month loan spell. Paris Saint-Germain were open to making it happen and Asensio himself didn’t mind the lack of Champions League qualification, but it’s not progressed.

Villa have had to stutter on incoming business as they’ve been restricted financially. The Villans have finally waved farewell to any concerns over a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) following an agreed sale of the women’s team, but work still needs to be done to comply with UEFA’s squad cost rules (SCR).

Bringing player wages down is a priority, not increasing them, and Asensio’s high demands made a deal tricky to navigate, even with PSG willing to let the four-time Champions League winner leave for a cut-price fee. If Villa were to sign Asensio, he either would’ve had to lower his demands or a high-earning player would’ve had to leave to free up funds.

Fenerbahce close in on Asensio signing

News emerged earlier this week that Fenerbahce were interested in signing Asensio from PSG and it now appears a move is getting closer. Renowned Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reports Fenerbahce have ‘reached an agreement’ with PSG to sign Asensio, a huge step.

The deal isn’t completely sealed, however, as personal terms are yet to be agreed. Asensio has been offered an annual salary of €9 million (£7.7m) but the former Real Madrid man has requested even more. Negotiations are said to be underway to resolve the situation.

Following a second-placed finish in the Super Lig last season, Fenerbahce will be competing in the Champions League as long as they progressed through the play-off stage. Jose Mourinho is expected to remain in charge despite reports of interest across Europe, so Asensio could be managed by yet another legendary head coach.