Aston Villa transfers: Unai Emery suffers early knockback in twin winger assault but new bid expected for Man Utd, Newcastle, Arsenal target

Aston Villa have reportedly seen their initial bid for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby rejected but are expected to return with an improved offer.

The Villans are eyeing new recruits for a season back in European competition.

The West Midlanders qualified for the Europa Conference League play-off round after an amazing resurgence under Unai Emery.

The former Arsenal chief replaced Steven Gerrard in November and guided his side to seventh in the standings.

They secured 18 wins and seven draws and were a different team with the former Paris Saint-Germain boss at the helm.

The challenge now is to keep progressing and the manager has already brought in defender Pau Torres from Villarreal.

The Spain centre-back will help shore up the defence and Emery has now turned his attention to the other end of the pitch.

His first port of call has been the Bundesliga, with an opening offer for Leverkusen’s France international Diaby.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that they tabled a £35m bid.

Football Insider are now reporting that Die Werkself turned that down but are expecting a new offer from Villa Park officials.

However, several other high-profile clubs are also said to be on the case. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is eying talented additions this summer after qualifying for the Champions League.

They were linked with Diaby but have since turned their attention to Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes.

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It remains to be seen if the Magpies return for the 24-year-old.

But Arsenal and Manchester United have also been mentioned in connection with the former PSG ace.

Aston Villa seem to have struck first but a lack of Champions League football might hinder their chances.

Leeds ace next after Diaby pursuit

Emery is expected to bring in several new faces before the summer window shuts. And it is said he wants two new wingers on the books.

Wilfried Gnonto was one shining light in an otherwise woeful season for Leeds United.

The Whites slipped back into the Championship after three seasons in the top flight.

A combination of Jesse Marsch and Sam Allardyce was unable to stave off relegation.

And therefore it is inevitable that the Elland Road outfit’s top stars will be targeted.

Gnonto falls into that category after proving that he could mix it with the big boys last term.

The 19-year-old enjoyed 14 starts among 24 Premier League outings, scoring two goals.

And in February, he scored less than a minute into Leeds’ 2-2 draw with United.

Several clubs have been linked, with Everton thought to be leading the battle for his signature.

Multiple reports claim the Toffees are close to getting their man but Villa are also in the race.

It is thought that any suitor will need to part with £40m to land the Italy international as he is under contract until 2027.

The former FC Zurich wide man is a highly-rated winger who has the ability to get fans on their feet.

And he would provide Emery with a dual threat out wide alongside Diaby if Villa can beat Everton to the punch.

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