Unai 'gives go-ahead' for Enzo to return to Valencia

VILLA boss Unai Emery has informed Enzo Barrenechea he is free to return to Valencia this summer, the Birmingham Mail understands.

- By JOSEPH CHAPMAN

The Spanish side are preparing to make another offer to Villa, but it remains to be seen whether they will take the midfielder back on loan with an obligation to buy, or strike a permanent deal.

Barrenechea is currently on international duty with Argentina and was an unused substitute on Friday night as they beat Chile 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier.

After a summer break, the 24-year-old, who is yet to appear in a competitive game for Villa, is due to report for pre-season testing and training, having played regularly for Valencia last season. He helped the La Liga club avoid relegation under former Albion head coach Carlos Corberan.

Barrenechea, who joined Villa with Samuel Iling-Junior as part of the negotiations which took Douglas Luiz to Juventus last summer, signed a five-year deal.