Aston Villa get McGinn boost for Lille trip
Tyrone Mings, criticised for recent form, is under contract at Aston Villa to 2027 on about £110k a week. He competes with Pau Torres and may see minutes reduced if reinforcements arrive.
Preview tips: Lille 1-1 Aston Villa, recalling last season’s shootout win over Lille. Nottingham Forest face Midtjylland, with other last-16 ties assessed and predicted.
Villa track AZ prospect Bendegúz Kovács, an 18-year-old striker valued at about €5m. The Hungary U19, who idolises Ibrahimovic, is prolific at youth level and would likely start with the reserves.
Villa urged to move for Bodo/Glimt wideman Jens Petter Hauge after a 3-0 first‑leg win over Sporting, where he assisted and created big chances. Affordable and two‑footed, he fits Emery’s wide needs.
Man United expect Noussair Mazraoui to be fit to face Aston Villa. Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt remain out, with Diogo Dalot likely to start. Luke Shaw could feature if fit.
John McGinn returns for Lille away, with Unai Emery saying the captain could start. Matty Cash, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans miss out. Villa finished second in the league phase.
Off-pitch: former Villa favourite Douglas Luiz, now back from Juventus, unveils new relationship with Duda Gaspar, daughter of ex-Arsenal midfielder Edu.
Villa plan to test Tottenham’s resolve for Lucas Bergvall. Spurs’ crisis could lower demands. Bergvall’s 70% dribble success suits Emery, and Champions League football could lure the 18-year-old to B6.
Villa show interest in Julian Brandt. The Dortmund playmaker, an old‑school 10 with top‑level experience and accountability, is tipped to add creativity and mentality to lift Unai Emery’s squad.
Villa join Spurs, Everton and others for Lazio defender Mario Gila. The 25-year-old ball‑playing centre-back, strong in a high line, could be available this summer with Lazio open to a sale.
Emery’s Villa use a 4-2-3-1 with narrow wingers, Watkins stretching play and full-backs wide. Kamara, Rogers, McGinn and Konsa are key. Despite a deal to 2029, Real Madrid talks put his future in doubt.
Jadon Sancho’s costly Man United deal is outlined as he spends this season on loan at Aston Villa, contributing one Premier League assist and one Europa League goal. He cannot face United this weekend.
