Aston Villa turn to Unai Emery to replace Steven Gerrard and pay Villarreal’s £5.2million release clause for the ex-Arsenal boss

ASTON VILLA are trying to lure Unai Emery away from Villarreal to replace Steven Gerrard.

The Midlands club are ready to pay the Spaniard’s £5.2million release clause after he axed Gerrard last week.

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Former Arsenal boss Emery is considering her proposal after he was open to a return to the Premier League with his deal in the summer.

The Basque manager joined Villarreal in 2020 shortly after his Arsenal sack and guided the club to their first European title following their Europa League triumph.

The club beat the Gunners in the semi-finals before beating Manchester United on penalties in the final.

Emery, 50, turned down a chance to manage Saudi Newcastle last season and continued to lead the Yellow Submarine to the last four of the Champions League.

Villa had hoped to hold talks with Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim but would have to pay his £20million release clause.

The 37-year-old ex-Portugal midfielder is one of Europe’s most promising young bosses and has previously interested Chelsea and United after ending Sporting’s 19-year wait for the Portuguese league title.

Maurico Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel were also on the club’s list of candidates but the former Tottenham and Chelsea bosses are awaiting a job in the Champions League.

Villa began life without Gerrard by beating Brentford 4-0 as interim boss Aaron Danks took over the first-team lead.

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Interim boss Danks urged the club to “get together” before kick-off after a miserable week – and the club finally appeared cohesive.

In a crazy first 14 minutes, the Villans scored three goals – the same number scored in Gerrard’s last six games.