'Villa will ensure they are strengthened not weakened' - McNulty

Our chief football writer Phil McNulty has been taking your questions.

Dan asked: Do Villa have to sell a player before the end of the month for the second season in a row? Who is it most likely to be? Can they then start buying players again in July?

Andrew asked: Us Aston Villa fans have been given mixed messages by 'the experts' about how much PSR trouble we are in. Some say we need to sell players before the deadline to comply, while others think we will be absolutely fine. Can you bring any clarity on our situation?

Phil answered: I said last week that Villa will certainly have to be smart in the markets to keep on the right side of PSR, but this is a club of high ambition who will do everything to ensure Unai Emery's squad is strengthened not weakened.

The fact they did not achieve Champions League football for next season is, of course, another blow.

There is a speculation that goalkeeper Emi Martinez could leave, while Villa would be open to the sale of Leon Bailey. Jacob Ramsey has been touted for a move away but there would be real pain for Villa and their fans if a gifted local talent was sold, so I think that would only be considered with the greatest reluctance.

Morgan Rogers is regarded as untouchable, but there will be sales.

Villa and Emery are experienced enough to plan for all eventualities, so I can see sales but also incomings to strengthen the squad.

It would have been a lot easier had they been able to get Champions League football for next season but I think you can trust Emery and the rest of Villa's hierarchy to get it right, given their track record.