Aston Villa target Europa glory as Emery names strong XI
Hearts’ UCL qualifier opponents hinge on Villa’s season. If Villa win the Europa League and finish top four, Hearts likely face Sturm Graz or Fenerbahce. Other outcomes could bring Olympiacos or Bodo/Glimt.
With Napoli not activating a €17m clause, Eljif Elmas returns to Leipzig. Villa, bound for the Champions League, have made an enquiry and are ready to open talks, a move that appeals to him.
Everton and Villa are set to battle for a £20m Championship forward renowned for long-range goals, with his club ready to sell.
Ex-scout Bryan King urges Villa to target Maxence Lacroix, valued at £50m-£60m, to succeed Tyrone Mings. He cites Lacroix’s pace and Mellberg comparison to fix Emery’s defence.
Villa chase first trophy under Unai Emery in Europa League final vs Freiburg in Istanbul. McGinn captains, Watkins leads attack, Martínez starts. Kamara out, Onana doubtful. Emery targets fifth title.
Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Touré is set to leave after missing the Champions League. Villa, Liverpool, Man United and Newcastle are linked, with a €30-40m fee touted for the Ivory Coast international.
Villa believe they lead Leeds for free-agent Hidemasa Morita. With Champions League ahead and FFP pressures, the 31-year-old Sporting CP midfielder is seen as a smart bargain addition.
Villa are ready to bid to re-sign a former player, backed by Unai Emery’s past claim of ‘big’ potential.
Villa director Damian Vidagany says Unai Emery is wanted by ‘many top clubs’, including Real Madrid, but insists he is happy at Villa after transforming the team and leading them to regular Europe.
Lee Hendrie hails John McGinn as one of Villa’s best signings and a club legend, saying lifting the Europa League would cement his status. He praises McGinn’s leadership and reliability.
