Aston Villa have exercised their one-year option on the contract of Unai Emery to extend his stay at least through 2027.

Bayern Munich and Barcelona had interest in Emery as they look to fill their vacancy.

Emery is on course to lead Villa into the Champions League and, after reaching the Europa Conference League semi-finals, he could deliver the club’s first major trophy since 1996. 

Emery has transformed Villa since succeeding Steven Gerrard 18 months ago .

Villa finished seventh last season and are six points clear of Spurs for fourth place, though Tottenham has two matches in hand.