Unai Emery extends Aston Villa contract to end Bayern Munich links - with owners 'certain' he can become the club's own version of legendary Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Emery, who arrived from Villarreal in October 2022, has made a substantial impact, steering Villa towards potential Champions League qualification and guiding them to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League. As a result, the Spaniard has seen a rise in his stock with German giants Bayern Munich also vying for his signature after missing out on Julian Nagelsmann.

However, Emery has put an end to speculation by reaffirming his commitment to Aston Villa until 2027, according to The Athletic.The club's ambitious owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, are "certain" the Spaniard can be Villa's own version of legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson - who spent over two decades at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, according to Sky Sports Germany, Ralf Rangnick, a former United interim boss, has emerged as the frontrunner for the Bayern hot seat, which will be vacant after Thomas Tuchel leaves the club at the end of the campaign. The Bavarians are also keen on Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto de Zerbi, but the scales are currently tilted towards the current manager of the Austrian national team.

Emery has established himself as a vocal figure in Villa's sporting hierarchy alongside key staff members like Monchi and Damian Vidagany. He has been able to foster an environment conducive to success which has led the club owners to mull an even longer contract extension after the dust settles on the current campaign. Emery will next lead his men against Chelsea on Saturday evening in the Premier League before hosting Olympiacos in the Conference League on May 2.