Aston Villa’s dazzling new starting lineup if the transfer rumours are true - including £62.5m double swoop

Another important summer transfer window awaits as Aston Villa seek to maintain their tremendous upward trajectory under Unai Emery.

Villa moved closer to ending their 29-year wait for major silverware this season by reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the last eight of the UEFA Champions League. The Villans could yet qualify for next campaign’s Champions League, too, with the battle to finish in the Premier League top five set to go down to the wire.

If Emery were to leave today, everyone would agree he’s done a truly remarkable job. The Spaniard isn’t done, though, and far from it, as he wants to propel Villa further up the standings consistently.

Strengthening the squad will be the priority this summer to try and give Villa the best chance of achieving continued success. The pockets aren’t overly deep due to concerns over meeting the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), but business can still be done if astute enough.

The current season may not be over just yet but that doesn’t mean transfer speculation isn’t already in full swing ahead of the next window. Birmingham World has sifted through the latest, coming up with a potential new starting XI for next campaign. Here’s a full run-through.

Aston Villa’s new lineup if the transfer rumours are true

GK - Joan Garcia: With Emiliano Martinez being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, Villa could step up their pursuit of Espanyol goalkeeper Garcia. The 24-year-old, who has been linked iwth Real Madrid, Man City and Arsenal, has a release clause of just £20 million.

RB - Matty Cash: Despite the January acquisition of Andres Garcia, Cash has kept his spot as Villa’s first-choice right-back. He’s really come into his own these past few months, and so this position isn’t a priority in the upcoming window.

CB - Ezri Konsa: The new England international has proven his reliability at both right-back and centre-back, but he’s best in the latter position. Konsa is the first defensive name on the team sheet at the moment.

CB - Pau Torres: As much as he’s been out of form over the past couple of months, Pau is one of the best Premier League central defenders when on song. He just needs to rediscover his mojo and he can play a key role again.

LB - Ian Maatsen: Finally beginning to start ahead of Lucas Digne in the Premier League, Maatsen has been in terrific form lately. The Dutchman is now showing signs of the potential Villa saw when they forked out £37.5 million to sign him from Chelsea.

CM - Boubacar Kamara: Seen as one of Villa’s most indispensable players, Kamara is expected to sign a new contract before long as talks are ongoing. Emery loves the physicality and awareness the Frenchman possesses.

CM - Youri Tielemans: The standout contender for the Player of the Season award, Tielemans has been in incredible form. No player has racked up more minutes than the Belgium international, who has

CAM - Kevin De Bruyne: Available for free as he’s leaving Manchester City at the end of his contract, De Bruyne is understood to have been mentioned in Villa’s recruitment meetings. There’s plenty of competition, but De Bruyne signing isn’t an impossibility.

RW - Morgan Rogers: Linked with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea recently, Rogers has emerged as one of Villa’s star players. Emery is unwilling to sell him, though, with the England international firmly in the plans for the future.

LW - Marcus Rashford: The Rashford situation is still up in the air but Villa have the option to sign him permanently from Manchester United for £40 million. If funds can be freed up and Villa qualify for the Champions League, it’s on. Otherwise, it’s not.

ST - Samu Aghehowa: Villa are in the market for a new striker and Porto’s Aghehowa, wanted by Arsenal, could be the man. The former Atletico Madrid star is on Villa’s shortlist and is available for around £42.5 million this summer.