Villarreal star Alex Baena is reportedly attracting more attention ahead of the January transfer window. Baena has been one of the standout players at Estadio de la Ceramica for around 18 months, truly coming to life under Quique Setién and remaining a key player since. The attacking midfielder has since received recognition with the Spain national team and is set to play a starring role under new Villarreal boss Marcelino.
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According to reports, there is now transfer interest from a number of clubs, including Barcelona, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
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Fortunately for Villarreal, Baena is tied down to a €60 million release clause, and the Yellows are not likely to budge from that after selling Samu Chukwueze, Pau Torres, and Nicolas Jackson last season. Barcelona and Manchester United are unlikely to be in a position to pay that figure without a key sale, and the same applies to Liverpool, especially given their likely interest in an attacking midfielder. Villarreal is expected to play hardball and be unwilling to negotiate until the summer transfer window when they might be more open to listening to the player’s wishes.
