Aston Villa want a pacy winger, a striker, a midfielder and a right-back capable of providing cover for Ezri Konsa at centre-back. A goalkeeper is also on the agenda should Argentina's Emi Martinez leave.
Belgium's young World Cup player Matias Fernandez-Pardo has been linked, with the 21-year-old able to play wide or through the middle up front.
Villa have also made it clear to interested clubs they do not want to sell 23-year-old England midfielder Morgan Rogers this summer. (Sky Sports), external
Meanwhile, Villa are in talks with Flamengo over signing their 27-year-old Brazilian defender Emerson Royal. (Talksport), external
Gossip: Rogers open to Arsenal movepublished at 07:41 BST 23 June
07:41 BST 23 June
Aston Villa and England midfielder Morgan Rogers is keen on a move to Premier League champions Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners making the 23-year-old a top target. (Talksport), external
You're the scout! Which World Cup players do you want for your club?published at 12:57 BST 22 June
12:57 BST 22 June
Image source, Getty Images
It is time to get your scouting caps on!
We're well into the group stage of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially as the summer transfer window has now been officially open for a week.
What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations?
Ultimately, who would you like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?
This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...
And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.
This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.
This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.
Morocco 'got away with one' - McGinnpublished at 08:26 BST 22 June
08:26 BST 22 June
Media caption,
Aston Villa's John McGinn felt Scotland should have been awarded a penalty in their 1-0 defeat by Morocco on Friday after he was challenged by Neil el Aynaoui.
Steve Clarke's side conceded after just 70 seconds in the first half, as Morocco took all three points to leapfrog Scotland into second in Group C, but McGinn believes his team should have been given a chance to equalise in the second half.
Gossip: Rogers attracts interest from Arsenalpublished at 07:03 BST 22 June
07:03 BST 22 June
Arsenal are hopeful Declan Rice can help persuade fellow England midfielder Morgan Rogers to join them from Aston Villa this summer. (Mirror), external
Emery will want more from Aston Villa's history-makerspublished at 15:01 BST 19 June
15:01 BST 19 June
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Unai Emery will have been stung by finishing fourth last season - not because it was not a success, but because he wanted more.
Aston Villa have not finished in the top three under Emery and it was a stated goal of his last season.
He will want to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City again this term, having been in the title race talk up until early in the new year.
This time, the reigning Europa League champions go to Brighton on 23 August - 11 days after facing Paris St Germain in the Super Cup in Salzburg.
The Champions League schedule is seen as less gruelling than the Europa League grind of games on Thursday and Sunday, and Villa want to beef up their squad to compete on all fronts.
Arsenal, Hull, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham await before the international break in September and October - allowing Villa to test themselves against the champions while also looking to pick up early points.
They dramatically beat the Gunners at Villa Park last campaign and Emery will be looking for an early marker.
Villa ending a 30-year wait for a trophy and winning European silverware for the first time since 1982 will not matter to Emery, who is always out for improvement.
Listen to reaction on the fixtures from BBC Radio WM on BBC Sounds here or by pressing play below
Brighton v Aston Villa: Did you know?published at 12:08 BST 19 June
12:08 BST 19 June
Image source, Getty Images
Unai Emery's Aston Villa haven't lost any of their four Premier League encounters against Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton (W3 D1), with the Seagulls losing 64% of their Premier League fixtures against the West Midlanders.
However, Brighton are getting used to a good start. Since losing 3-1 to Chelsea on matchday one in 2020-21, they are unbeaten in their opening game across five Premier League seasons (W4 D1).
Villa, meanwhile, are a slower burner in recent times. After returning to the Premier League in 2019-20, they have only started their season with a victory twice in seven attempts (D1 L4), beating Sheffield United in 2020-21 and West Ham United in 2024-25.
'Still remember Ferguson's face at half-time' - fans' opening-day memoriespublished at 08:40 BST 19 June
08:40 BST 19 June
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With the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most.
Here are some of your replies:
David: 3-1 v Manchester United in 1995. The famous "you win nothing with kids" match. Avoided relegation on the final day of the previous season. Villa were outstanding in the first half and would have ripped any opposition apart. Still remember Sir Alex Ferguson's face at half-time on his walk to the tunnel! Result set the tone for an excellent season for us.
Chay: First day back in the Premier League against Tottenham in August 2019. Regardless of the 3-1 defeat, it showed Villa were ready to compete in the Premier League - especially with John McGinn's early goal, the way Villa played that Spurs attack and how long we held out throughout that game before the end result.
Anthony: First game of the season after winning the European Cup in 1982, which was against Sunderland. We sang We Are The Champions - then watched them lose 3-1!
Steve: I remember in 1995 when we played Manchester United at Villa Park - David Beckham and all - and beat them 3-1. Alan Hansen made the famous "never win anything with kids quip", then they went on to win the league. There's too many to remember for the worst. Maybe last season when we drew the first game and went on to a shocking first few games that had us in the relegation zone - then it got a bit better!
Come back to this page at 10:00 BST to see how Villa's 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have fallen
'Marmoush is exactly what we need' - your World Cup scoutingpublished at 18:34 BST 18 June
18:34 BST 18 June
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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Aston Villa.
Here are some of your comments:
Sean: If Emi Martinez is to leave then Japan's Zion Suzuki could be a very helpful pick-up.
Matt: Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille looked excellent for Morocco against Brazil - all over the pitch, winning balls everywhere and repeatedly getting out of Brazil's press to play some neat balls forward. He's only 18 and looks in demand, but maybe we could give him more first-team football than Arsenal, Liverpool etc while still offering Champions League.
Simon: I don't want Morgan Rogers to leave. However, if did sell then get Marcus Rashford back and maybe Mohamed Salah for two seasons. Midfiel-wise, I'm sure Unai Emery has already identified replacements which you would hope are young gems just like Rogers was.
Mark: Omar Marmoush is exactly what we need up front. And John Stones on a free would be a great start if you ask me.
Why does McGinn do goggles celebration?published at 16:46 BST 18 June
16:46 BST 18 June
Scott Mullen BBC Sport Scotland
Media caption,
When John McGinn scored Scotland's first men's World Cup goal in 28 years in the 1-0 win over Haiti, the Aston Villa midfielder celebrated in customary fashion.
Mimicking goggles with his hands turned upside down, the toast of the Tartan Army is raising awareness for his nephew Jack, who needs goggles to play football because of his poor eyesight.
McGinn and his goggles have gone worldwide in recent days, with his name ringing out on the streets of Boston and on the Fenway Park bleachers.
And the 31-year-old does not want any kids in Scotland - or indeed anywhere - to be put off being themselves, hence his iconic celebration.
"It was for the last major tournament when I didn't score," McGinn told ITV Sport, when asked for the meaning behind the goggles.
"It was at the time where Jack was having serious discussions about his eyesight. It's probably as strong a lens as you can get for a child. When he takes his glasses off, you can see how much he struggles.
"But it's not just the reaction from him, and allowing him to be more comfortable playing football with his pals. It's the awareness for young kids all around Scotland, all around the world."
Rogers inspiring future generations at former school published at 14:55 BST 17 June
14:55 BST 17 June
Megan Jones BBC West Midlands
Image source, Getty Images
For Aston Villa and England footballer Morgan Rogers, the love of the game runs in the family.
"My mum and dad are fans of football and my brothers are fans of football, so it made it really easy for me to be," he told the Football Association.
The 23-year-old added he was "a bit of a geek" when it comes to learning players, teams and little details that other people may not know.
His thirst for knowledge was evident from a young age, according to former West Bromwich Albion manager Darren Moore.
He was part of the club's academy coaching staff when he first came across Rogers, who played for the under-14s team at the time.
"Every time in football training or games, he would always work hard, express himself and want to absorb all the information that was given to him," said Moore.
While coaches spotted his potential in the academy, the same qualities were just as clear at school.
Rogers attended Sandwell Academy and was part of the side that won the National Schools Cup in 2017, and in later years.
Scott Follis, now head of PE at Sandwell Academy, taught Rogers during that time and remembers a pupil whose talent stood out immediately.
"My first memory of him is seeing him on the football pitch, " he said. "Morgan was brilliant, we are quite lucky as a school, over the years we have had some really talented footballers come through."
He added: "He was always a step above, just an excellent footballer, what you see now when he is playing at the highest level, is what we saw at school level.
"He was so natural with the ball, so effortless, I remember watching Morgan, and wondering if he didn't make it to the top level, I don't know what the top level is."
Follis and the PE department have kept an eye on him throughout the years.
"We knew when he was out on loan, and breaking into the first teams, we try and track our students," said Follis.
When he saw Rogers named in the 26-man squad for the summer tournament, Follis said he was "really excited to see how he gets on and it's great to see him out there on a massive stage".
Meanwhile, Rogers is continuing to inspire future generations at his old school.
"The students ask 'did Morgan Rogers come here?' 'Did you teach Morgan?', and the majority know we did," Follis added.
Villa's lethal weapon takes on the World Cuppublished at 09:07 BST 17 June
09:07 BST 17 June
Nick McPheat BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, Getty Images
The moment Youri Tielemans's opener burst the net in Aston Villa's Europa League triumph against Freiburg, each of Unai Emery's substitutes took a turn to embrace the man responsible for orchestrating another set-piece goal.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez chose not to celebrate with his outfield team-mates, instead racing over to the dugout to also show his appreciation to Scottish coach Austin MacPhee.
Villa fans were heard chanting the name of the 46-year-old as their heroes on the pitch closed in on a 3-0 victory in Istanbul.
Post-match, head coach Emery labelled the Scot a "fantastic creator". Striker Ollie Watkins hailed his "courage". Captain John McGinn described his countryman as a "great set-piece coach".
And now, MacPhee takes to the World Cup with Portugal after joining Roberto Martinez's staff in February last year.
It's is his five years at Villa Park that have undoubtedly brought him his greatest success, though. Villa scored more goals from set-pieces than any other side in Europe's top five leagues in 2023-24.
The following season, only four clubs in those five divisions bettered their tally. In the most recent campaign, they were level with Arsenal for the most set-piece goals.
MacPhee has achieved those staggering results through years of experience and meticulous preparation.
Hours are spent on the training pitch and in analysis suites, and players are given homework in the form of animations and graphics sent to their phones.
Amid the Europa League celebrations in Istanbul, Emery said: "We work on everything so hard and everything makes sense.
"Congratulations to Austin too, he's very good at his job and we work very closely. He has so much experience and we know exactly what we are doing."
A long-haired lad from Kirkcaldy might just prove to be the most lethal weapon at a World Cup. Not sure that has ever been said before, or will be said again.
Who you would keep, loan and sell this summerpublished at 13:04 BST 12 June
13:04 BST 12 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked who you think Aston Villa should keep, loan and sell this summer.
Here are some of your comments:
James:Keep - Emi Buendia. He was out on loan last season, but his goals in key moments have shown that class is permanent.
Loan - Lamare Bogarde. Get some minutes and prove that you can do it week in, week out.
Sell - LeonBailey and Tyrone Mings. Bailey was ineffective off the bench and Mings, despite being a great servant to Villa, his time has come as he is slipping down the pecking order.
Reece: Keep - Ollie Watkins. He always ends up performing for us even when he's been off it for half the season.
Loan - Alysson. He has looked good when he's had a few minutes, but he needs more experience before he gets first-team time.
Sell - Bailey is too inconsistent nowadays. Needs to be off our payroll - a waste of time and money this season.
Phil: Keep - Mings for his leadership around the squad. It's clear we're a better team with Pau Torres in it, especially in Europe, but I don't think Mings lets us down on the pitch and he's made other players around him better during his time with us.
Loan - Bogarde to get consistent game time. I still think there's a good defensive midfielder in there.
Sell - Evan Guessand. I don't know why we signed him in the first place.
Connor:Keep - Morgan Rogers as he'll be a crucial part of the team for us next season in the Premier League and Champions League.
Loan - Emi Martinez, though he's our number one goalkeeper so we don't want to lose him completely.
Sell - Bailey. He's just not doing anything for us and has made more mistakes than he has done good things.
Alex:Keep - Mings. Some discussion over moving him on, but his experience and personality make him worth keeping.
Loan - Alysson. I don't see where he'll get minutes so it's better that he plays, preferably at Championship level.
'Success seems to follow larger-than-life McGinn'published at 07:51 BST 12 June
07:51 BST 12 June
Nick McPheat BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, Getty Images
In the days following Unai Emery's appointment as Aston Villa head coach, John McGinn was north of the border catching up with some old friends when some classic west of Scotland pessimism set in.
"He is going to think: 'Who is this wee Scottish guy?" he told his mates in a panic, fearing the worst about his role in the Spaniard's reshaping of the club.
If he was to replay that scene in his head almost four years on, he would surely find it difficult not to chuckle at his own expense.
Whatever jersey he has on, success seems to follow the all-action midfielder - and it doesn't feel like pure coincidence.
A crunching tackle at the Holte End against Wigan on his Villa debut endeared him to the support. His first goal, a wonder strike against Sheffield Wednesday, came a month later.
He ended his first campaign in Birmingham by scoring the winner in the Championship play-off final against Derby at Wembley.
It is poignant that the lad responsible for taking Villa back to the Premier League in 2019 went on to lift the Europa League as captain seven years later. He has become a legend at the club, with more still to give.
His bubbly, larger-than-life character sets him apart from most. Last week, he was comfortable admitting to BBC Scotland that he had packed a European plug adapter for his summer trip to the United States.
McGinn doesn't take himself too seriously - possibly because he knows if he did, he would be brought crashing back down to earth by his grounded family and friends.
"He is the same person now as he was back then," his former team-mate Scott Allan said. "That is a huge credit to himself and his parents."
McGinn is 31 years old, but his story still has pages to fill.
Another Champions League campaign is on the way in a Villa side buoyed by long-awaited silverware. First, however, there is a World Cup to savour.
McGinn is a Harry Potter fanatic, but there is no fiction about the story of the boy from Clydebank who will, in the coming weeks, attempt to sprinkle more magic on the career of his dreams.
Image source, Getty Images
