Aston Villa

I would be so disappointed if Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran moves to Saudi Arabia.

Duran is 21, and coming into his prime. He could go there and earn all the money in the world but he would be leaving the best league there is, just as he has started making a splash in it.

It is his prerogative but, as a career move, I think it's the wrong one.

This situation, with Arsenal making an offer for Ollie Watkins too, must be very annoying for Villa boss Unai Emery.

He has worked hard to get the club into the Champions League, and with two good strikers he can rotate them. It has worked really well, but seemingly won't be an option for much longer.

Villa have other problems too. They are short of options at centre-half and Emery had to play a midfielder, Boubacar Kamara, there against Celtic on Wednesday night.

There are some things to be positive about, however. Morgan Rogers was absolutely superb against Celtic and is an exciting talent.

But while Villa have got goals in them, I am just not sure they will keep Wolves out.

Villa have not won any of their past six games straight after a Champions League tie, and I don't see this week being any different.

Wolves are on a horrible run of four successive league defeats, with 10 goals conceded and just one scored, so even a draw would be a boost for Vitor Pereira's side.

Pereira must also be worried about losing his main goalscorer, Matheus Cunha, before the transfer window shuts on Monday. I am not sure whether Cunha will stay, but I think Wolves will get a point here.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Aston Villa's attacking options given Jhon Duran has moved to Al-Nassr and the club are now linked with Marcus Rashford.

Here are some of your replies:

Gary: Not sure Saudi is the right move at Duran's age. Turning his back on Champions League. Good move for Villa if they invest wisely.

Rob: Duran clearly didn't want to play for us, while we were unable to move Ollie to the bench more often. The club have done well in getting an excellent profit on his investment. Now use the money wisely to get a world class striker, as Ollie needs to be more clinical in his finishing.

Richard: There is better value perhaps in signing Cunha and Felix over taking Rashford on loan with his high salary (unless Man Utd subsidise).

Kev: Joao Felix would be perfect.

Ivan: Olly is getting back to scoring goals for us and should be in the England squad. Rashford is looking for game time to get himself back in form and also to be considered by Tuchel. He won't get the opportunity to regular play at Villa so I doubt he'll come. Best wishes to Duran.

Steve: Good business on the Duran deal, he was a disruptive character and Watkins will be better for it without him around. Rashford wouldn't come the Villa and to be honest I wouldn't want him.

Nigel: Yes, Rashford would be a good deal for Villa on loan for four months covering wages or part of. Unai would sort him. Rashford needs a new leader.

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa have sold Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, with a potential £71m incoming.

The club are interested in a loan move for Marcus Rashford.

There's plenty happening.

Tell us what you think here

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle and Aston Villa have both been fined for their actions in their Premier League fixture at St James' Park on 26th December 2024.

A statement from the FA reads: "It was alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the tunnel area at half time.

"It was also alleged that the Aston Villa analyst and Newcastle United assistant manager acted in an improper manner during the same incident. Both clubs and Victor Manas admitted to their respective charges, and Jason Tindall denied the allegation against him.

"The Regulatory Commission imposed a £30,000 fine and warning upon Aston Villa, a £20,000 fine and warning upon Newcastle United, and a two-match ground ban and £4,000 fine on Victor Manas. The Regulatory Commission found the charge against Jason Tindall to be not proven, and he will face no further action."

Tasnim Chowdhury
BBC Sport journalist

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Wolves (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Ollie Watkins has told Emery that he is "happy to stay" after Villa rejected Arsenal's approach for the 29-year-old: "We asked him how he is feeling being with Villa and he is happy here."

• Emery said that Watkins' commitment to the club has been "huge": "He appreciates Aston Villa have always supported him, helped him and tried to get the best of him. Now we need him - like he needed Aston Villa."

• More on Watkins: "I speak with him a lot. He is always adapting to every circumstance we have in the squad and with him individually. When teams are interested in our players, of course it is very good for us and very good for the players. Some prefer to leave and some players accept to stay here, to be here and commit with us here and to be with our challenge. One of those is Ollie Watkins."

• On the impact of the transfer window on Villa: "Of course we are changing the squad because we need to improve at everything – individually and collectively. We will miss some players in the squad because we did not change Diego Carlos or [Emi] Buendia. We have the last player leaving - it's not official - but it's Jhon Duran. The players we have are trying and showing their commitment."

• Matty Cash will not be available to play at Wolves, with Emery confirming he will be out for "three to four weeks". Tyrone Mings has also a "small injury" and "will need some days more to be ready to play".

• On whether his side are at a disadvantage on Saturday given their Champions League exploits: "For a long time I have played in Europe and I know how to prepare each match as best as possible - resting, [eating] good food and preparing with work on the field and in meetings. The idea is to accept, adapt, be intelligent and have strong players consistently playing. And to have our subs ready to play at the level we have."

• On the challenge posed by Wolves: "The challenge is to compete - we have to dominate. They are the values we are trying to set with the players we have."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Full commentary of Wolves v Aston Villa on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 17:25 GMT on Saturday

Image source, Getty Images

The Champions League knockout phase play-off draw is complete.

Aston Villa now know they will play either the winners of Club Brugge v Atalanta or Sporting v Borussia Dortmund in the last 16, as they look to take another step closer to the final.

The play-off first legs will take place on 11 and 12 February, with the second legs on 18 and 19 February.

The Villains will then find out their last-16 opponents - and their route to the final - in the next Champions League draw on Friday, 21 February.

See the full draw here

Aston Villa fan Richard Sutherland recognises the club's progression into the last 16 of the Champions League will have "a number of benefits" - from easing profit and sustainability concerns and having more freedom in the transfer market to giving the opportunity to rest the players.

Unai Emery's side could face either Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Sporting or Club Brugge in the next stage of the competition, with the draw taking place on Friday, 31 January at 11:00 GMT.

"They are all going to be very tough games, but it gives us a real chance to progress in the competition," added Richard.

Find more from Richard Sutherland at The Villa Park Podcast, external

Paris St-Germain forward Marco Asensio is one of a number of attacking players Aston Villa are interested in signing before the transfer window closes. (Mail), external

Villa are also considering a bid for 25-year-old Wolves striker Matheus Cunha. (Guardian), external

Chelsea and Portugal midfielder Joao Felix is another target for Aston Villa boss Unai Emery. (Express), external

Finally, Ollie Watkins would be open to joining Arsenal this month, but Villa are determined to keep the 29-year-old. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

Image source, Getty Images

One of the things that makes Unai Emery such an interesting speaker on the game is the impression that, behind all the professional intensity his job requires, he is really in this for the same thing as you and me: for the thrills.

"The atmosphere was FAN-TAS-TIC," he said expressively in the press room last night, as his thoughts and emotions tumbled out.

It had been an especially vivid occasion, even by the standards of the past year or two. Fittingly, given Emery's urgings to his players and Villa's supporters to make the most of every moment of this Champions League campaign, their position was in question even after their game ended, extending the drama.

Nobody wanted to rush off anyway.

It was almost too much. To make sure he would always remember, Morgan Rogers – still a Championship player a year ago – cradled the match ball and his man-of-the-match trophy in one arm, while taking a selfie in front of the man-of-the-match sign. The photograph will be his keepsake of a year of exceptional progress.

The grand occasion was bookended by reminders of the colder realities of modern football. Some around the ground were put out before kick-off by reports of Arsenal's offer for Ollie Watkins - not that the Gunners made it given Watkins' obvious ability, but more that it should become known just before such a significant game.

Watkins did not play as if distracted. Yes, he might have scored far more than one, but his all-round centre-forward play was vital. Maybe Emery's comments on Arsenal's interest left open the possibility that he might move, but really he was only acknowledging that for every player, there is ultimately a deal too good to reject. But it would have to be a very big number.

He seemed resigned though, to Jhon Duran moving to Saudi Arabia: "The players have the objective, the ambition. Sometimes they are impassioned. If he is leaving, it is because he prefers to do another way in his career."

The reported numbers probably make it good business for Villa, although Emery seemed to find the player's motivation hard to compute: "I told you, I want him here. But what does he want?"

Emery did not speculate. But you could imagine Villa fans thinking of the delirious celebrations in the Holte End and wondering: "Jhon, don't you want THAT?"

Wolves v Aston Villa – live commentary on BBC Radio WM (95.6FM/DAB/Freeview 714), Saturday 17:30 GMT

BBC Radio WM Football Phone-In – weeknights 18:00 GMT

Image source, Getty Images

Former Aston Villa and Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov says Morgan Rogers looks like he is enjoying his football under Unai Emery at Villa.

"Another great game for Morgan Rogers - he was too much to handle for Celtic," Petrov told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"With his movement and the way he plays, it seems like he enjoys his football but I'm not surprised.

"That's why Unai Emery was brought to the club, to bring these great European nights again at Villa Park. He has definitely managed to do that but he also finds a great solution for players - to develop them and make the team better."

With Aston Villa rejecting an approach from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran reportedly set for a medical before a move to Saudi side Al-Nassr, we want to how you feel about the prospect of losing one or potentially both strikers, just days before the transfer window ends.

What would you like to see happen? If one was to leave would you like to see a replacement brought in before the window closes? Or do you think you can't afford to lose either of them?

Have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

Ollie Watkins is the subject of an approach from Arsenal.

The 29-year-old has found the net 11 times this season and fits the mould for Arsenal given the widespread analysis around Mikel Arteta's need for a centre forward.

On Match of the Day, former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock said: "Money talks. If Arsenal up their bid, you might see some wheeling and dealing.

"I don't think you would want to lose Watkins.

"He is the focal point of attack. But are you going to get that money again as a 29-year-old? That's a business decision then and that's when it becomes difficult.

"PSR has changed everything. It's a bigger decision now."

European football expert Julien Laurens added: "I think Arsenal looked at other potential signings like Benjamin Sesko at Leipzig.

"I guess maybe towards the end you see clubs who are are more open too, as we saw with the bid for Jhon Duran.

"Aston Villa will have a replacement list already of strikers they can go and get."

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Champions League game between Aston Villa and Celtic.

Here are some of your comments:

Duncan: Great result, although nerve-racking at times. We were stunning going forward but there was awful defending at times. Credit to Celtic, who looked very competitive. We are in dreamland to qualify in the top eight, which I did not expect. The lack of play-off games will be a help in the sense of giving the players a rest.

Rob: A dogged performance from the lads. Despite some poor finishing at times, we were ruthless in our play. I'm really pleased for Morgan Rogers, he should have took the penalty and he was my man of the match.

Stephen: What Unai Emery is achieving with this squad of players is nothing short of remarkable. Rogers has announced himself as a top-class player.

Adrian: Celtic gave Villa some nervy moments but Rogers, Watkins and Ramsey were magnificent. I'm looking forward to the draw.

Matthew: Great win for Villa. The team looked a lot more balanced and were creating a lot of chances. We are still missing a bit of quality in key positions but hopefully, with a couple of new players and injured players coming back, things should look better. Well done lads!

Want to hear more analysis of a gripping night in the Champions League?

BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast has reaction to games involving Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester City.

All four English clubs remain in the competition at the conclusion of the League Phase.

Listen on BBC Sounds

Arsenal are expected to make an improved second attempt to sign 29-year-old Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who grew up as an Arsenal fan. (Mail), external

Jhon Duran is expected to undergo a medical in London on Thursday, ahead of the 21-year-old's proposed 77m euro (£64m) plus add-ons move from Aston Villa to Al Nassr. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Those finishing in the top eight automatically progress to the last 16, where they will be seeded.

They will await the winners of eight two-legged knockout play-off ties featuring the clubs ranked from ninth to 24th.

Liverpool could possibly face the following four teams - PSG, Benfica, Monaco or Brest.

Arsenal could possibly face the following four teams - AC Milan, PSV, Feyenoord or Juventus.

Aston Villa could possibly face the following four teams - Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon or Club Brugge.