Premier League - Generale

Unai Emery has confirmed talks over a new Aston Villa contract after a "very positive" meeting with chairman Nassef Sawiris, with more discussions planned for next week. The Spaniard has been linked with Manchester United, who Villa face on Sunday after Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona, but says his ambition is to keep growing a "stronger" project at Villa Park.

Xabi Alonso has refused to dwell on Cole Palmer's omission from the England squad, insisting his conversations with the 24-year-old are only about Chelsea. The Blues boss also joked about goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's protective mask and revealed that midfielder Moises Caicedo has "little problems" ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Sunderland.

Andoni Iraola has admitted Liverpool are "sometimes too honest" after a striking statistic showed no Premier League side have conceded more fouls this season. The Reds head to Crystal Palace on Sunday on the back of two straight defeats to Arsenal and Fenerbahce, and their manager wants a response, with Ryan Gravenberch still a doubt because of a heel problem.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has called on his players to use their midweek European heroics as a springboard for domestic consistency. Speaking ahead of a high-stakes encounter with Aston Villa, the Red Devils boss also took time to reflect on the immense influence of Sir Alex Ferguson as the club marks a major milestone for the legendary Scotsman.