Aston Villa continue to move quietly but with intent in the transfer market. They are building a squad that will show both ambition and balance. Under Unai Emery, the Birmingham club shows a growing

Aston Villa could not escape the colours red and yellow. They were everywhere. Go Ahead Eagles flags on shops, pubs, restaurants, walls and houses across the city. Red and yellow luminous lights brightened subways and tunnels, while flares of the same shades were thrown into the streets of the city centre.

Ian: A poor display. Villa should have been three goals up in the first half but the usual lack of firepower up front cost us. Emery needs to tell Watkins that he can run onto a ball, rather than expecting it to his feet all the time. A real disappointment after the recent improvement in form.

Go Ahead Eagles' shock win over Aston Villa in the Europa League on Thursday left grown men in tears and will long be remembered in the Dutch city of Deventer, coach Melvin Boel said.

Aston Villa have reached an agreement in principle with defender Matty Cash over a new contract. The proposal is for a deal that runs until 2029, with the option of a further 12 months. Cash’s existing contract is due to expire in 2027 after he last signed fresh terms in April 2022.

Speaking ahead of Aston Villa's fixture against Manchester City and following the 2-1 defeat to Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League, Unai Emery praised Harvey Elliott's attitude and work rate in training but admitted his performances have not yet reached the level required.

midfielder Mateo Kovacic is attracting strong interest from Aston Villa, West Ham United as the January transfer window is approaching, according to the Caughtoffside. The Croatian international, who joined City from in 2023 has struggled to secure consistent minutes under Pep Guardiola after injuries disrupted his first full season at the Etihad.

The 23-year-old is part of the BlueCo group and is being lined up by Enzo Maresca's side for a move to Stamford Bridge. However, Aston Villa fancy their chances of hijacking that deal, and also beating Brighton, who are also interested in signing the player, to a deal.