Everton are now facing the threat of losing one of their key players amid interest from Aston Villa, who have already made their first move.
Emery pleased with "consistent" Aston Villa after Lille victory
Unai Emery and the Europa League remains one of the greatest football love stories of the last 10 years. The Spaniard has reignited his affair with the trophy at Aston Villa this season and watched on as his side dispatched of LOSC Lille in professional fashion to reach the last eight.
Emery was the first to admit at full-time that it wasn't exactly a vintage Villa display, but was still pleased with their consistency on the European stage.
He told reporters: "I am happy with how we performed over two matches, how we tried to play seriously, being organised, respecting the opponent.
"(We played) not so brilliant, but being consistent and defending well. When we had our moments to be ruthless we needed it. We needed those two matches to show this competitive way.
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"We are focusing all the season through the Premier League, that is the priority. The Europa League is a competition that is very difficult to win, but we have to enjoy the process, enjoying the way, competing, using different players and trying to compete, it can help us find a structure in our squad."
Winning the competition would be a welcomed route into the Champions League for those in the Midlands, who are just two points over Liverpool in fourth with eight games left to play.
By qualifying for the competition, Villa would likely have more wriggle room on the financial front - especially with the introduction of Squad Cost Ratio rules - and that could see one midfield star arrive.
Aston Villa launch Dewsbury-Hall approach
As reported by Sports Boom, Aston Villa have now launched an approach to sign Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - contacting his representatives to "gather information" on his availability.
The Everton star has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in Merseyside, but the Toffees are now be fearing the worst.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for Everton
It's easy to see why Villa are interested. Since arriving for £28m last summer, Dewsbury-Hall has scored six goals and assisted another five in all competitions. He has been one of David Moyes' most important players.
That is why Everton are facing such a nervous wait amid Villa's interest. Losing his midfielder just one year after securing his signature would be the ultimate blow for Moyes, who has been full of praise for Dewsbury-Hall.
"Well, he has been excellent and he’s brought some goals and assists. He has brought us calmness at times and has looked a really comfortable footballer."
As for Villa, Champions League qualification will be a must if they are to attract players like the former Chelsea man, who seemingly has a route back to Europe's elite competition just one year after leaving Stamford Bridge.