BBC Radio WM's Richard Wilford says "Aston Villa and Unai Emery are interwoven", after learning that the club and the manager held talks around their "long-term strategic direction" earlier this week.

The club revealed they had discussed "clear commitment beyond 2029", which is when the Spaniard's current contract is set to expire.

"That wasn't a 'hands-off' statement, that was more of a 'are you being serious' statement," Wilford said on BBC Radio WM's Football Phone-In. "There is no way Unai Emery would be looking at going to a club like Manchester United - everybody knows that.

"The way this club is being run nowadays is unique. It is built on stability, trust and ambition. That is the package.

"Then you have Unai Emery as the frontman. He is a guy that can inspire players, get the best out of them and improve them to the tune of £100m in Morgan Rogers' case.

"It is an extraordinary adventure - and as long as Unai Emery has the hunger, Aston Villa have their figurehead."