Unai Emery confirms plan for Aston Villa contract talks

Unai Emery has confirmed plans to thrash out a new contract at Villa next week.

The manager described talks with chairman Nassef Sawiris this week as having been “very positive” and more discussions are scheduled, with Emery prepared to sign an extension to his current deal, which runs until 2029.

Emery has been mooted as a possible successor to Michael Carrick at Manchester United but is ready to commit his future to Villa.

“I had a good meeting with Nassef Sawiris, very good meeting, very positive,” he said.

“Let's talk next week, trying to get everything we spoke about together in a deal.”

Sawiris was key to persuading Emery to join Villa from Villarreal in 2022 and the pair have a close relationship.

The co-owner has wasted little time in fending off any unwanted interest from United.

Villa visit Old Trafford on Sunday for what could well be under-fire Carrick’s final match in charge.

Asked about Sawiris, Emery said: “He is very ambitious. He is also a hard worker. His commitment to the club is a huge comment in everything.

“For me, it is easy to have meetings with him because we are on the same page.

“We were speaking about how we can set our project stronger with a deal, yes.”

Emery is hopeful Aaron Wan-Bissaka could return to solve a headache at right-back.

The West Ham loanee has missed nearly three weeks with a hamstring injury and Villa’s other senior right-back, Matty Cash, will miss the match through suspension.

"Aaron is close, but tomorrow we will see if he can train normally and feel good," Emery explained.

"Ruggeri is still working alone but he is progressing well. I think the other players are available."