Everton now face the risk of losing one of their key players amid interest from Aston Villa, who have already made their first move.
Emery was delighted with Aston Villa’s “consistency” after the win over Lille
Unai Emery and the Europa League remain one of football’s biggest love stories of the last 10 years. The Spaniard once again took his trophy case to Aston Villa this season and watched as his side dispatched LOSC Lille in classy fashion to reach the last eight.
Emery was the first to admit at full-time that it wasn’t quite the Villa display of old, but he was still pleased with their consistency on the European stage.
He told reporters: “I am happy with the way we played in the two games, the way we tried to play with determination, we are organized, we respect the opponent.
“(We played) it wasn’t that easy, but consistency and defending well. When we had moments of ruthlessness we needed it. We needed those two games to show this competitive style.
He was a monster v Lille: Emery may have found Aston Villa’s new Rogers
Aston Villa battled LOSC Lille to set up a Europa League quarter-final against Serie A side Bologna.
“We are focused throughout the season on the Premier League, that is the best. The Europa League is a very difficult competition to win, but we have to enjoy the process, enjoy the way, the competition, using different players and trying to compete, it can help us find structure in our team.”
A win would be a welcome step into the Champions League for the Midlands side, who are just two points clear of fourth-placed Liverpool with eight games to play.
By qualifying for the competition, Villa will have more wiggle room on the financial front – particularly with the introduction of Squad Cost Ratio rules – and that could see one of the club’s stars arrive.
Aston Villa introduced the Dewsbury-Hall method
As reported by Sports Boom, Aston Villa have now started the process of signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – contacting his representatives to “gather information” about his availability.
The Everton star has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign on Merseyside, but the Toffees now fear the worst.
It’s easy to see why Villa are interested. Since arriving for £28m last summer, Dewsbury-Hall has scored six goals and assisted a further five in all competitions. He has been one of David Moyes’ key players.
That’s why Everton face a nervous wait amid Villa’s interest. Losing his midfielder just one year after signing would be a huge blow for Moyes, who has been full of praise for Dewsbury-Hall.
“Well, he played very well and got some goals and assists. He calmed us down at times and looked like a free-flowing footballer.”
As for Villa, Champions League qualification will be a must if they are to attract the likes of the former Chelsea man, who looks set to return to Europe’s top flight just one year on from Stamford Bridge.
