Aston Villa made an attempt to prise sporting director Roberto Olabe away from Real Sociedad, it has been revealed.

Olabe signed a new deal with La Real last week to 2026.

But he didn't put pen to paper before fielding an approach from Villa.

New Villa manager Unai Emery had recommended Olabe's signing to the board.

But even after making a bigger contract offer, Villa were turned down by Olabe before he signed a new deal with La Real.