ASTON VILLA are trying to prise Unai Emery away from Villarreal to replace Steven Gerrard.
The Midlands club are willing to pay The Spaniard’s £5.2million release clause and after axing Gerrard last week.Â
Former Arsenal boss Emery is considering their proposal after being open to a Premier League return with his deal up in the summer.Â
The Basque coach joined Villarreal in 2020 shortly after his Arsenal sacking and led the club to their first European title after triumphing in the Europa League.
The club beat the Gunners in the semi-final before defeating Manchester United on penalties in the final.
Emery, 50, turned down the chance to manage Saudi-rich Newcastle last season and continued to lead the Yellow Submarine to the Champions League last four.
Villa were hoping to hold talks with Sporting Lisbonâs Ruben Amorim but would have to pay his £20 million release clause.
The ex-Portugal midfielder, 37, is one of Europe’s most promising young bosses and has previously interested Chelsea and United after ending Sporting’s 19-year wait to become Portuguese champions.
Maurico Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel were also on the clubâs list of candidates but the former Tottenham and Chelsea bosses are holding out for a Champions League job.
Villa started life without Gerrard by thrashing Brentford 4-0 as interim boss Aaron Danks took charge of the first-team.Â
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The temporary boss Danks called for the club to âcome togetherâ before kick-off after a miserable week – and the the club finally looked united.
A crazy opening 14 minutes saw the Villans score three goals – the same amount scored in Gerrardâs last six games in charge.Â
