Mateu Alemany is ready to perform a U-turn in his decision to join Aston Villa and stay with Barcelona.

The 60-year old director of football was due to take up a senior role at Villa and had agreed a contract in principle but has now decided to remain Spain for personal reasons.

Alemany informed president Joan Laporta of his decision on Wednesday morning and will continue his recruitment role with the support of former Chelsea midfielder Deco alongside him.

The 45-year old Deco, who brokered the £52million deal to take Raphinha from Leeds United to Barcelona last summer, is negotiating a deal to replace Jordi Cruyff who is stepping down from his consultancy role as he looks for a new challenge.

As reported by Mail Sport, Alemany had held advanced talks with Villa over a position at the club.

Barcelona transfer chief Mateu Alemany is ready to snub Aston Villa and instead stay in Spain

It was understood that Barcelona knew they could not match the same financial terms. 

But regardless of the attractive proposal and a reported visit to Villa's training ground last week, Alemany considers the project at Barcelona his priority. And as a result, he is now open to seeing out the remaining year on his current deal.

Alemany has acted as the director of football in Catalonia since 2021 and overseen a number of transfers that ultimately set the foundations for this year's title triumph.

Previously, the in-demand figure held various roles at Valencia and Real Mallorca.

Since replacing Steven Gerrard in October, Emery has propelled Villa from 14th to eighth in the top-flight, allowing them to dream of Europe during their run-in. 

But Alemany will now not aid his quest next campaign after his sudden change of mind, with the Spaniard instead focused on continuing to shape Barcelona.

Quizzed on Villa's evident interest in March, Alemany had said: 'This is a private matter of no great importance. What is certain is that I will stay at Barca.' 

Meanwhile, Barcelona sporting director Cruyff confirmed he will be leaving the club.

'FC Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff will not be renewing his contract at the end of the current season due to his wish to embark on new professional endeavours,' Barcelona said in a statement on Tuesday.

'He announced his decision this Tuesday morning to president Joan Laporta at an emotional meeting in which he explained that after two years in his position, he is leaving to face new challenges.

'Cruyff has said that he is committed to assisting the club in its transition towards a new executive structure, and will be offering his full support with the closure of outstanding operations in the summer transfer market.

'He also most sincerely thanked the president for his trust and for offering him the chance to come to FC Barcelona two years ago.'