Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has emerged as a target for Real Madrid as they consider their next manager, according to Sky Sports journalist Patrick Berger.
The Midlands outfit have had a tremendous season so far, despite a slow start, and currently sit four points behind league leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table in third place, while they have qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League too, following their 3-2 comeback win over RB Salzburg in midweek.
After some incredible performances as manager over the last two seasons, Emery has now attracted the interest of one of the world's biggest clubs, as they look to offer him a path back to the top of the game.
Real Madrid Consider Unai Emery for Next Manager
unai emery
Emery, who has been described as a 'genius', has previously been the manager at Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, but many people believe that he struggled in those roles, and that he is at his best at a club that is just below the elite.
That argument has been strengthened with the job he has done at Villa, earning them Champions League football last season and also pushing high up the league table regularly. Those results have seen him impress a number of people inside Real Madrid, and they are now said to be considering him for their manager's job.
According to Sky Sports, initial contact has already been made about taking him to the Bernabeu, and he is on the shortlist of contenders for the role.
Emery is under contract at Villa Park until 2029, but a move back to Spain could prove tempting for the 54-year-old, alongside the chance to work alongside some of the best players in the world like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
Madrid are currently looking for a new permanent manager after sacking Xabi Alonso earlier in January, with former defender Alvaro Arbeloa promoted from the Castilla team to replace him until the end of the season.
Aston Villa Must Keep Emery At All Costs
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery gives the thumbs-up
When Real Madrid want something, they usually get it, but Aston Villa need to do all they can to ensure that isn't the case this summer with Emery.
The Spaniard has been the best bit of business the club have done in decades, and he has been right at the top of the list of reasons for their recent successes on the pitch.
Losing him would be catastrophic, and replacing him adequately would be nigh on impossible. Villa must give Emery whatever he wants and ensure they keep him at the club beyond this summer.
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