Fabrizio Romano reveals Joao Felix's Aston Villa stance as Chelsea talks continue

Transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Felix said yes to joining Aston Villa before Chelsea’s late swoop.

The Villans have been in talks to sign the Portugal forward for weeks but little progress has been made, at least between the clubs. Chelsea, meanwhile, are advancing with an approach to reunite with Felix over a year on from his six-month loan to Stamford Bridge.

That’s according to Romano, who reported on Monday night that Felix has already said yes to signing for Chelsea permanently. Atletico offered the player to Enzo Maresca’s side and talks are now advanced over the formalities.

A different deal involving the two clubs fell through at the final hurdle, as Samu Omorodion and Chelsea failed to reach an agreement on personal terms despite positive conversations initially. If similar happens again, the door could theoretically open for Villa to hijack and sign Felix instead.

The 24-year-old, who scored 10 goals in 44 games on loan at Barcelona last season, was keen on heading to Villa Park until Chelsea stepped in.

Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano said: "Joao Felix was open to going to Aston Villa, also the conversations with Unai Emery were very positive. But Villa and Monchi wanted to wait until the final days of the window.”

Patience was the approach from the Villans as they were keen to secure Felix’s services for less than the €60 million (£51.2 million) being demanded by Atletico.