(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Youri Tielemans reacts to 'love' message from Lucas Digne amid Atletico Madrid interest

Ciaran Morrison
Ciaran Morrison

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football finance journalist specialising in the financial landscape of the Premier League and SPFL. FOCUS Financial analysis, club economics, and data-led coverage across the top flight and Scottish football. THE INSIGHT Ciaran utilises a network of financial and industry contacts to deliver verified, data-driven analysis. He provides the numbers behind the noise to ensure fans understand the fiscal reality driving decisions at the top of the game.

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Aston Villa could be facing a mass exodus of players leaving the club this summer, but Lucas Digne has hinted that he wants to stay in the Midlands.

There are rumours circulating around many of Unai Emery's key stars, as the club battle to keep in line with financial rules.

Villa have been fined by UEFA for failing to adhere to the rules, alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea, and the governing body have stated player swap deals must stop.

However, Chelsea are plotting a move to offer defender Tosin Adarabioyo and striker Nicolas Jackson for Villa star Morgan Rogers.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery against a back drop of Villa Park in rainy conditions.
Unai Emery has problems to contend with at Aston Villa. Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media

Digne and Tielemans show Villa affection

Digne could also be a player that departs Villa Park, with sources telling Football Insider that Atletico Madrid are interested in signing the French defender.

The 31-year-old though is reporting for pre-season with the Villans and has shared a training ground update for supporters.

Appearances45
Goals0
Assists7
Digne stats for Aston Villa in all competitions last season.

Digne posted an image on his Instagram from training with the caption of two love heart emojis in the claret and blue colours of Aston Villa.

Team mate Youri Tielemans liked the post and the Belgian has also been linked with a move away from Aston Villa to adhere to profit and sustainability regulations.

Newcastle reignite Watkins interest

Football Insider Verdict

Digne has been a reliable operator for Villa under Emery and the former Everton and PSG left-back would be another sizeable loss for the club.

Against the financial backdrop, Villa have managed to keep their stars, but with the season looming and no significant arrivals Emery's squad hasn't been able to be strengthened ahead of the new campaign.

Striker Ollie Watkins is now on Newcastle's shortlist amid uncertainty over Alexander Isak's future, and Emery has not got another senior option in that position to call upon.

Goalkeeper Emi Martinez is a top target for Manchester United, whilst Jacob Ramsey has also been linked with a move away.

Transfer speculation around key players is stacking up for Emery, and that doesn't make for a positive beginning to the season which will kick off against Newcastle.

The Spaniard has been warned of the sack if the club gets off to a poor start, and that could be the biggest blow of all to Villa.

Aston Villa
Lucas Digne
Youri Tielemans
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