Monchi says yes – First big job since Aston Villa can see Premier League impact

Monchi could be set for his first major role post Aston Villa, as he’s close to agreeing a deal to join Espanyol.

Mundo Deportivo report that Espanyol owner Alan Pace is close to securing the Spaniard’s signature. Monchi has already said yes to the proposal.

Monchi’s first big role post Aston Villa

According to their information, Monchi is very attracted to the project led by Pace, president at Espanyol and Burnley.

Key to the move, though, is the fact that the American businessman is willing to let Monchi combine the role with his position at president of San Fernando 1940.

There had been talk of Monchi returning to Sevilla for a third term, but that has now been put aside. He will join Espanyol, his first major role since leaving Aston Villa last year.

Marca also report on the potential move. They state that Espanyol are planning major changes next season, and a new sporting director is at the top of their list.

Monchi was recently seen in Barcelona, leading to speculation. Now it appears he has given his approval to the move to Espanyol in the summer.

He spent last weekend at the RCDE Stadium in Pace’s private box. He watched the clash with Real Madrid. Now he’s set to sign as their new sporting director. That’s dependent on Espanyol staying in La Liga this season.

Monchi ‘seduced’

The former Aston Villa director of football has, according to Marca, been ‘seduced’ by the project Pace has put forward to him.

There is no mention of Burnley for now, but Monchi’s knowledge of England would surely be put to use on that front as well.

The deal also includes Fernando Navarro joining him at the club and, interestingly, won’t include a release clause. That would, it seems, rule out a potential return to Sevilla in future even further.

For now, it appears it’s just a verbal agreement and is based heavily on Espanyol staying up. They’re currently 13^th but only three points outside the bottom three.