Aston Villa boosted by Martínez update before Bologna
Profile of Brian Little, Villa’s last trophy-winning manager, who lifted the 1995/96 League Cup after beating Leeds 3-0, following a rise from lower leagues and a fourth-place finish in 1995/96.
Teen forward Ben Broggio shines on loan at Falkirk with 4 goals and 1 assist in 11 games. The 19-year-old, contracted to Villa until 2029, impresses with chance creation, dribbling and defensive work.
Unai Emery says Morgan Rogers is ‘focused’ amid Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea links. Villa tied him to 2031 and would demand a huge fee after his goals, assists and versatility.
Villa are making a strong push for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, a free agent in June. Olé say Villa, Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Juventus are in talks as he targets a pre-World Cup decision.
With a 3-1 lead over Bologna, Unai Emery may rotate at Villa Park. Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia could start, Morgan Rogers might be rested, and Marco Bizot may again cover for Emi Martínez.
Report claims ex-Villa loanee Jadon Sancho will leave Man Utd on a free and must cut wages to rejoin Dortmund, with £150k per week mooted after underwhelming loans at Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Villa, Everton and Leeds are advancing interest in Southampton’s Léo Scienza. The 27-year-old scorer has a €29m clause, earns about £100k per month and is being closely scouted after key displays.
Reports in Argentina say Emi Martínez suffered a calf overload, not a serious injury, after his late Forest withdrawal. No scans were needed and he could be back for the Bologna Europa League tie.
Matty Cash urges ‘no excuses’ as Villa chase top four and juggle Europa League. After a draw at City Ground, he stresses fatigue cannot derail their run, with Liverpool and Manchester City still to play.
Villa are tipped to table a £30m contract offer for a Manchester City legend who plays regularly under Pep Guardiola.
Villa are competing with Fulham and West Ham to re-sign a former player, with a favourite for his signature reportedly emerging.
