Although their Champions League fate remains in question, Aston Villa have already reportedly entered talks to sign a rising star who could become a crucial part of Unai Emery's side for years to come.
Aston Villa's final UCL push
It certainly hasn't been for the want of trying, but Aston Villa still need help from elsewhere to grab a place in the Premier League's top five. Emery's side have lost just one of their last nine league games and enter their trip to Manchester United on Sunday knowing that just one Chelsea slip up against Nottingham Forest or Newcastle United against Everton will leave them with a golden opportunity.
Premier League standings Points Goal Difference Final game
Liverpool (C) 83 45 Crystal Palace (H)
Arsenal 71 34 Southampton (A)
Manchester City 68 26 Fulham (A)
Newcastle United 66 22 Everton (H)
Chelsea 66 20 Nottingham Forest (A)
Aston Villa 66 9 Manchester United (A)
Nottingham Forest 65 13 Chelsea (H)
Anything could still happen in the Champions League race, with the top five the only real remaining drama when the final day arrives. Emery is well aware of just how important it is that his side focus on their own task at hand, too.
The Spaniard told reporters after victory over Spurs on Friday: "I am very happy. Today, we closed out our season here with our supporters trying to transmit our energy. We won, but there is still work to do to have a chance to play in the Champions League. We have to try and keep the inconsistencies down and focus."
unai emery
Whether their fate changes their summer ambitions is the big question for Aston Villa, of course. Their PSR concerns are no secret these days, but that hasn't stopped them from reportedly opening talks to potentially secure an early incoming this summer.
Aston Villa open talks to sign Zepiqueno Redmond
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa are now in talks to sign Zepiqueno Redmond are in pole position to welcome the 18-year-old Feyenoord sensation to the Midlands this summer. The young forward could be the first striker that Villa sign since losing Jhon Duran in January and may well have finally found their replacement for the Al-Nassr forward.
Villa's pursuit of Redmond should come as little surprise. The teenager has enjoyed a promising season in the Netherlands, scoring twice for the senior side in their domestic cup, the Toto KNVB Beker, and three more times for Feyenoord's youth side.
Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez reacts Related
[Aston Villa and Emery keen to sign "extraordinary" £73k-p/w Martinez heir](https://www.footballfancast.com/aston-villa-emery-keen-on-andriy-lunin-martinez-heir/ "Aston Villa and Emery keen to sign "extraordinary" £73k-p/w Martinez heir")
The Villa boss has set his sights on a goalkeeper, who he feels is capable of replacing Emiliano Martinez.
Dubbed "powerful and quick" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Redmond may not steal the same headlines as others this summer, but there's no denying that Aston Villa would have a rising star on their hands.