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Will your club sign any World Cup breakout stars?published at 12:00 BST
12:00 BST
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Plenty of players have made names for themselves at this World Cup, from goalkeepers like Cape Verde's Vozinha and Paraguay's Orlando Gill to New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just.
But though they might not have been familiar to fans, the extent of modern scouting means clubs all over the world will already have known about many of them – so how have their heroics at the tournament affected their standing in the game, and their value in the transfer market?
More than the Score's Mani Djazmi is joined Ben Littlemore from Transfermarkt, one of the world's foremost football databases. Lutz Pfannenstiel, sporting director at Aberdeen, also shares his footballing knowledge in today's episode.
Sign Stones but don't bring Sancho back? Free agents and who to avoidpublished at 14:44 BST 6 July
14:44 BST 6 July
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We asked for your views on which free agents Aston Villa could target this summer and whether there is one player Villa are linked with but you hope they never sign.
Here are some of your comments:
Elliot: Feel like Oscar Mingueza would be great cover for Matty Cash. Julian Brandt is still quality, with Champions League experience, and feel like we desperately need a winger. Harry Wilson or Jadon Sancho would also be useful on a free with our financial constraints.
Dez: The list of World Cup freebies are all far too old. We need some young blood in there as they possibly wouldn't be demanding stupid salaries just yet. As for the suggestion of Sancho resigning - it would be as bad as having Anwar el Ghazi back.
Prit: Villa need back-up in defence as it's pretty well Ezri Konsa plus one other. If the wages work out, I would give John Stones a call, but if I were a betting man I think he may end up back at Everton.
Andrew: Stones would be great for Villa. Although Tyrone Mings has been a great servant, he needs to move on.
You're the scout! Which World Cup players do you want at your club?published at 12:32 BST 6 July
12:32 BST 6 July
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We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.
Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?
Ultimately, who would you realistically 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.
Reducing squad age and 2026-27 expectationspublished at 19:02 BST 3 July
19:02 BST 3 July
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In the final part of Friday's Aston Villa Q&A, football reporter Nick Mashiter focuses on the club's transfer plans and targets for 2026-27.
Lauren asked: Villa say they are trying to reduce the average age of the squad but also hold interest in players on the wrong side of their 20s. Do they go for a youth approach or stick with a tried-and-tested, ready-made approach?
Nick: It's an interesting one because Unai Emery wants ready-made players who can instantly perform - what manager doesn't? - while Roberto Olabe was brought in as president of sporting operations with a slightly different overall remit.
Of course Olabe wants to deliver for Emery but he joined with the mid to long-term view in mind.
Villa knew they needed to lower the age range and they had the second-highest average squad age in the Premier League last season.
Olabe is here to help change that - the signings of Alysson and Brian Madjo in January point to this. The 'tried-and-tested' approach costs a lot more, of course.
There has needed to be some compromise between Emery and Olabe, but their long-term relationship ensures they are able to do that.
Martyn asked: Given our financial constraints, both in terms of compliance and revenue, plus the potential re-emergence of Chelsea and Tottenham, what do you think is a realistic league target?
Nick: Emery will demand the top four again and, should Villa achieve that, it will be the game-changer they need. Two successive years of Champions League money would shift the goalposts.
Realistically, we can only start to judge come the end of the window and then won't be able to seriously start assessing until October (I know it sounds boring).
For me, they were a little fortunate last season. The failings of others - Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham - allowed them to take advantage, but Villa were not as consistently good as they were in the previous two campaigns.
The wonderful run before Christmas put them in a position they did not let slip, but just four wins in 16 games from the start of January until the victory over Liverpool that confirmed a top-four place left me feeling at the time they were a little lucky to still be in those positions.
As you mention, will Chelsea and Spurs be as bad this season with new management? Liverpool, now under Andoni Iraola, will also be looking to improve so Villa need to raise their game again.
Scroll down this page to read back over the first three parts of Nick's Q&A.
A free deal and which transfer link is a thumbs down?published at 17:31 BST 3 July
17:31 BST 3 July
We have been asking you questions about Aston Villa all summer. Our latest is a two-pronged query...
First, is there anyone on the free transfer list you think makes sense or is realistic as a signing?
Mohamed Salah, John Stones, Solly March, Fabinho, Leon Goretzka, Dusan Vlahovic, Jadon Sancho, Daichi Kamada and Yves Bissouma are just some of the names currently available - and you can see a list here of the 15 free agents involved at the World Cup.
And secondly, is there a player Villa are constantly linked with but you hope they never sign? If so, who and why?
Tielemans stars as Villa's players keep World Cup dream alivepublished at 16:42 BST 3 July
16:42 BST 3 July
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Aston Villa players are still chasing World Cup glory - even if some have suffered disappointment.
Ezri Konsa has started every game for England so far to help them into the last 16.
The defender is preparing for the Three Lions clash with Mexico on Monday along with Villa team-mates Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers.
Watkins came off the bench in the win over Panama, which Rogers started, while Rogers also came off the bench against Croatia and Ghana as England topped Group L.
Youri Tielemans was Belgium's hero against Senegal on Wednesday to book a last 16 game against co-hosts USA.
The midfielder scored the 89th-minute leveller as Belgium came from 2-0 down with four minutes left to send the tie into extra time.
He then converted a nerveless penalty in the 120th minute to send the Red Devils through. Amadou Onana also came off the bench having started their first game against Egypt.
Martinez played in all of their Group J games, with the defending champions winning all three and topping the group.
Captain John McGinn scored Scotland's only goal of their World Cup - their first since 1998 - when his deflected strike earned a 1-0 win over Haiti, but they still failed to qualify from Group C.
Victor Lindelof captained Sweden to an opening 5-1 win over Tunisia but Graham Potter's side were eventually knocked out in the last 32 by France, losing 3-0.
Evann Guessand came off the bench twice for the Ivory Coast as they bowed out in the last 32 to Norway.
The forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, made late substitute appearances against Germany and Norway, with the Elephants losing 2-1 on Tuesday.
What is the situation of Villa's England stars?published at 14:53 BST 3 July
14:53 BST 3 July
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In part three of Friday's special Aston Villa Q&A, football reporter Nick Mashiter focuses on the future of three players - Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers.
James asked: What is the situation with Konsa and Watkins?
Nick: Konsa remains one of Villa's most important players, even if he does not get the headlines of Emiliano Martinez, John McGinn, Rogers or Watkins.
There is no desire to sell the defender, especially with the possibility of other key departures, and Villa would be foolish to let him go anyway.
In terms of Watkins, he turns 31 later this year and Villa have been over-reliant on him, so there does need to be succession planning, even though he has kept delivering.
Tammy Abraham offered support but not the goal return after joining from Besiktas. He still has more to prove since coming back to Villa Park.
It would be a surprise to see Watkins leave - he just needs more help.
Image source, Getty Images
Pete asked: With the sell-on clause to Middlesbrough, surely only a British record transfer fee for Rogers would bring Villa to the table at least?
Nick: Villa do not want to lose Rogers, a player who has become one of the best in the Premier League under Unai Emery.
When he joined from Boro two and a half years ago, he was not even guaranteed a starting spot at the Riverside - now he is with England at the World Cup.
The sell-on is 20% on the profit, but that is still a hefty figure given Rogers cost £16m (now all add-ons have been paid) and Villa will demand over £100m, with the possibility of a record fee for an English player.
However, selling players is the easiest way to comply with the financial regulations which hang around Villa's neck and have become so integral to their planning.
Come back to this page later on Friday for the final part of the Q&A. And remember, this is your Aston Villa page so bookmark it and come back for analysis, news, stats and fan views.
Fringe players and financial constraints published at 11:54 BST 3 July
11:54 BST 3 July
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In the second part of a special Aston Villa Q&A, our reporter Nick Mashiter focuses on squad depth and the club's financial problems.
Adam asked: What do we expect to happen with some of the fringe players such as Evan Guessand, Tammy Abraham, Lamare Bogarde and Leon Bailey.
Nick: Villa don't have a lot of wiggle room in their squad and they need to beef it up as it is.
Guessand and Bailey are certainly players who can leave if there is an opportunity, but the market will dictate. Villa may find it hard to move fringe players on who are on big money, especially those who may not have impressed last season.
Bailey struggled with injuries at Roma, although their training schedule was not helpful to him, and Guessand's loan at Crystal Palace was underwhelming, again a lot down to injury.
There is interest in Bogarde and he could leave but no decision has been made - although he made 44 appearances last season and was a useful utility player.
Abraham didn't make the impact some may have expected but, while Villa are looking for a new striker, he can still be useful for Unai Emery.
On Tuesday, they were fined £19.4m for another breach, although £12.9m is suspended, depending on the club continuing to significantly decrease their squad-cost ratio in 2026.
Because of last year's plan agreed with Uefa, in 2026-7 the club must "have a maximum football earnings deficit of 0m euros for the reporting period ending in 2027".
So Villa need to break even, which naturally puts more of a strain on the transfer business.
Keep across this page on Friday for parts three and four of Nick's Q&A, which will look at subjects including whether Villa will keep their stars and the club's target for next season.
Martinez's future and a long list of transfer targetspublished at 08:12 BST 3 July
08:12 BST 3 July
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We asked you to send in your Aston Villa questions for our reporter Nick Mashiter. In the first part of a special Q&A, he focuses on Emiliano Martinez's future and where the club will look to improve this summer transfer window.
George asked: Will Martinez leave this summer?
Nick: It remains a possibility. The market is slow because of the World Cup and will pick up speed towards the end of the month.
Villa have been open to selling Martinez. Although they have no concerns over his performances, as one of the higher earners and turning 34 in September (yet hardly old for a goalkeeper), it would fit in with lowering the wage bill and the age bracket.
There are options. James Trafford is wanted and Parma's Zion Suzuki is on the list of replacements, but with no agreement struck with Juventus for Martinez, nothing can progress yet.
Image source, Getty Images
David asked: Where do you think Villa will be improving this summer?
Nick: Villa want a right-back who could also cover at centre-back, at least one winger, a striker, a goalkeeper - if Martinez goes - and are looking at their left-back options.
They want more physicality at left-back so one of Ian Maatsen or Lucas Digne could leave.
Whether they get everything they want remains to be seen. The market is likely to be condensed again this summer because of the World Cup and it will be a very busy last few weeks of the window.
Champions League football undoubtedly helps attract players and ex-Tottenham defender Emerson Royal and Paris St Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye are options.
Keep across this page on Friday for parts two, three and four of Nick's Q&A, which will look at subjects including Villa's financial constraints, how they will will retain star players and potential outgoings to look out for.
Ayestaran and Saravia to leave Emery's coaching set-uppublished at 11:27 BST 2 July
11:27 BST 2 July
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Unai Emery's assistant coach Pako Ayestaran and individual performance coach Antonio Rodriguez Saravia are to leave Aston Villa.
Both have been part of Emery's coaching staff since the Spaniard's appointment in November 2022.
Ayestaran will be replaced by Jose Maria Sanz, who was the former assistant manager to Paul Heckingbottom and Slavisa Jokanovic at Sheffield United between 2021 and 2022, and before that Valencia.
A statement on Villa's X account reads: "Both Pako and Rodri will always remain hugely popular at Aston Villa and everyone at the club would like to thank them for their service as well as wishing them all the very best for the future."
World Cup scouting: 'Perfect' Manzambi features on fan listpublished at 15:12 BST 1 July
15:12 BST 1 July
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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:
Elijah: Trossard because he is very fast, good at shooting and if Rogers leaves then he could be a great replacement.
Mayur: I would love to see Villa sign Switzerland's Manzambi. I noticed how good he was playing for Freiburg in last season's Europa League run to the final and he's shown the world now. Snap him up Emery, he's a perfect number 10 for us.
Matt: The Japanese goalkeeper Suzuki looks a good shot stopper and controls the area well.
Prit: Hands down, Villa need to do what it takes to get Switzerland and Freiburg's Johan Manzambi to Villa Park. He was Freiburg's standout player in the Europa League Final and he has been Switzerland's best player in the World Cup. Unai Emery is the best manager to improve players, just think how much he could improve Manzambi. Please Aston Villa, bring him in.
Jignesh: Give me Senegal's Pape Gueye. He looked excellent at the last Afcon, and even better these last three World Cup games. Unai has the Villarreal connection. Our season nosedived once our midfield got injured, and he has an eye for the spectacular goal from outside of the box - a Villa staple in 25-26!
John: Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, that is if all the Morgan Rogers £100m transfer exit rumours bear any fruit. If Arsenal do make an offer, perhaps Martinelli coming the other way might soften the blow? I think between Gakpo and Martinelli (probable starters for Emery at Villa IMO) there would be £30-45m left over to strengthen the squad. I personally do not want Villa to sell but it would be one player making way for possibly three coming in - and in a Champions League season too with a reduced stadium capacity.
Paul S: Kerim Alajbegovic looks a real future star striker and could be available for not too much money. Ayyoub Bouaddi would help bolster our ageing midfield. Marvin Senaya would strengthen our right back options and Zion Suzuki looks a great replacement or support for Emi Martinez.
Raffi: As a huge fan, I would want to sign Alajbegovic because he's got the pace Villa need on the left. Also, Summerville, despite going out to Morocco he had a standout World Cup with goals and assists and would bring directness to the Villa.
Image source, Getty Images
