Villarreal boss Unai Emery has confirmed Barcelona’s interest in his right-back Juan Foyth.

Barcelona have been linked with a right-back all summer, and the deal to sign up Cesar Azpilicueta from Chelsea have since failed, after Chelsea convinced the Spaniard to sign a new contract.

“Barça are interested in Foyth. They want a right back and he fits their system.

Villarreal manager Unai Emery told a press conference: “The thing is whether the player wants to leave or not. I’m calm after the conversation we had.

“I can’t rule out him leaving, but the most normal thing would be for him to stay.”

Meanwhile, Villarreal vice-president José Manuel Llaneza has played down talks that Juan Foyth could be heading to Barcelona before the transfer window closes.

“We don’t have to prepare ourselves, La Liga are prepared to accept the release clause but we are not in the business of selling any player, least of all Juan,” he said.

Foyth has a release clause of €42m – a fee Barca may be unwilling to pay after spending €158m on new signings this summer.