Aston Villa are in advanced talks with Unai Emery over a new contract as the Europa League winners plan for a long-term future under their head coach.

Emery has completely transformed Villa since his arrival four years ago and is close to making a firm sign of further commitment after talks on Wednesday with Nassef Sawiris, the club’s chairman.

Since his appointment in October 2024, Emery has lifted the Europa League trophy and guided the club into the Champions League on two occasions.

The former Arsenal and Paris St-Germain manager has been linked with Manchester United in recent weeks, amid the uncertainty over the future of Michael Carrick, but is now providing Villa with a huge boost by signing a new long-term contract.

Emery met with Sawiris on Wednesday following the club’s Champions League match at Barcelona and an agreement is thought to be close.

In a statement the club said: “Aston Villa held an important working meeting today to plan the club’s future and lay the foundations for its long-term sporting and institutional project.

“The meeting brought together Nassef Sawiris, the club’s Chairman and Unai Emery, alongside President of Football Operations Roberto Olabe and Director of Football Operations Damián Vidagany.

“The discussions focused on jointly planning the club’s long-term strategic direction, with positive discussions establishing a clear commitment beyond 2029 for the joint development of the club under the sporting leadership of Unai Emery based on the shared ambitions and common goal to reach excellency and keep growing during the next years.

“The objective is clear: to build an ambitious, competitive Aston Villa capable of taking on the biggest challenges and achievements.”

More to follow...