Lionel Messi issues 'best in the world' claim over Aston Villa man as Tottenham 'still considering' deal

Aston Villa have already begun pre-season preparations despite having players still at Euro 2024 and Copa América. Unai Emery must work with what he has for now, while he will also be looking to add new players to his squad over the course of the coming weeks.

The club have Profit and Sustainability issues to iron out, but they must find a way to make key additions if they are going to make the step up to the Champions League and compete well at that level. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Villa as hard work begins on the training ground.

Pavlovic race

Villa are said to be interested in a deal for RB Leipzig star Strahinja Pavlovic this summer. According to HITC, the defender could go for as much as £25million this summer, with Leipzig reportedly open to a sale.

It’s claimed Villa, Newcastle United and Chelsea are all interested in the defender this summer. Villa need to replace Clement Lenglet following his return from his loan spell this summer.

Messi on Emi

Villa keeper Emi Martinez pulled off penalty shootout heroics again for Argentina at Copa América on Friday night, saving two spot kicks during a shootout against Ecuador. Argentina drew 1-1 in normal time while Lionel Messi missed the first penalty in the shootout, but Martinez pulled off two key saves to turn things around.

Messi wrote on Instagram after the game: “One more step... We suffered a lot against a tough opponent. We passed to the semis thanks to everyone's work and on top of that we have the best goalkeeper in the world. Go Argentina!"

Martinez himself said after the game: “I wasn’t ready to go home. This team deserved to advance. They complicated us a lot. They played a great match, very physical. We knew they were one of the top rivals in Copa America.”Our goalkeeper came up clutch. We have reached the semis and given the great level of performance of every national team, I think it’s a great achievement.”

Ramsey ‘latest’

Tottenham may well still be interested in a move for Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

He said: “I was speaking to someone about this earlier on because it went quiet when a deal didn’t materialise, but I am told it’s not off the table yet as far as Tottenham are concerned, they are still interested in Jacob Ramsey.” Ramsey has been linked away due to Villa’s PSR issues and the gross profit he could potentially bring.

Emery has previously said of Ramsey: “Jacob Ramsey is a very important player. He grew up here in the academy. His progression is clear and getting better. I want to keep him here with us. Teams maybe involved in the possibility to sign him, because he is a potentially big, big player in Aston Villa and England. I want to keep him here 100%."