Aston Villa ‘monitoring’ in-demand La Liga attacker as Leeds United are handed fresh transfer blow

Aston Villa were thumped 4-0 away at Newcastle United over the weekend. The Midlands outfit will be itching for new boss Unai Emery to take over on 1st November.

Next up for them is a home clash against Manchester United on Sunday. Here is a look at some of the latest news regarding the club...

Defender continues to train away from the first-team

Aston Villa defender Frederic Guilbert continues to train with the U21s despite Steven Gerrard’s exit, as detailed in a report by the Birmingham Mail. The Frenchman has fallen down the pecking order over recent times. He has been loaned out to Caen and Strasbourg since joining back in 2019.

Winger on radar

Villarreal winger Nicholas Jackson has reportedly emerged on the radar ahead of the January transfer window. According to the Daily Mail, Villa are ‘monitoring’ his situation with fellow Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Everton also credited with an interest.

Attacker stance outlined

Ollie Watkins apparently has no intention of leaving Villa Park and wants to stay under Emery, despite Leeds United being mentioned as a possible destination for him next. The former Brentford man has struggled for form over recent times but is eager to hit the ground running again. Journalist Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport: “As soon as [Steven] Gerrard is gone, Watkins is back on the goal trail. He doesn’t want to leave Aston Villa, ultimately he’ll see this as a clean slate for him and I don’t think Leeds will be able to get him.”