Aston Villa in advanced talks over new deal for Unai Emery

Villa are in advanced talks over extending the contract of manager Unai Emery as they look to fend off unwanted interest from Manchester United.

Emery has been linked with the Red Devils amid uncertainty over the future of their current boss, Michael Carrick.

But the Spaniard is happy at Villa, where he has full control, and negotiations on a new deal are thought to be progressing well.

Villa also plan to extend the contracts of Emery’s key executives, Damian Vidagany and Roberto Olabe.

The club released a statement on Wednesday evening detailing an “important working meeting” over the club’s future.

It spoke of a “clear commitment” beyond 2029, when Emery’s current deal thought to be worth around £15million-a-year is due to expire.

The statement, which included a picture of Emery, Olabe and Vidagany with co-owner Nassef Sawiris, read: “The discussions focused on jointly planning the club's long-term strategic direction, with positive discussions establishing a clear commitment beyond 2029 for the joint development of the club under the sporting leadership of Unai Emery based on the shared ambitions and common goal to reach excellency and keep growing during the next years.

“The objective is clear: to build an ambitious, competitive Aston Villa capable of taking on the biggest challenges and achievements.”

Emery has transformed Villa’s fortunes since taking charge four years ago, taking the team from a relegation scrap to the glory of winning last season’s Europa League.

Sawiris, who has taken an increasingly hands-on role in recent years, has become increasingly frustrated with the narrative around Emery and United.

The club last week threatened pundit Jamie Carragher with legal action after he told supporters to “f*** off” during a recording of The Overlap podcast.

Carragher had drawn the ire of fans after claiming Emery would be keen on the United job because he “couldn’t win” the Champions League with Villa.