Aston Villa joins race for Fernandes amid Premier League interest

Aston Villa is gearing up for a critical period in their season as they prepare for an FA Cup quarter-final against Preston North End. Head coach Unai Emery is expected to have key player Ollie Watkins available after recovering from a minor knee injury, adding to Villa's attacking options. The team is also looking to strengthen their squad with reports indicating interest in 19-year-old talent Roger Fernandes, who has been outperforming Leon Bailey this season, amid competition from Manchester United. Villa currently sits ninth in the Premier League but is just three points away from a Champions League spot, which could further entice potential signings. With their current squad depth and recent successes, including a win over Club Brugge, fans are hopeful that this could be a historic season for the club. The upcoming weeks present opportunities for Villa to make significant strides in both domestic and European competitions.