Next steps for Villa after historic season

[Getty Images]Aston Villa are looking to move into a new era.

>A Europa League win over Freiburg earned the club's first trophy in 30 years while they also sealed a top-four finish in the Premier League.

>Manager Unai Emery delivered Champions League qualification for the second time in three seasons as he made good on his promise to bring silverware to Villa Park.

>They are looking to challenge the established order in the top flight, having worked under strict financial restrictions.

>After a historic campaign how do Villa move to the next level?

>It has felt like Villa have gatecrashed a party they have not been invited to.

>They have finished fourth, sixth and fourth in the past three seasons. How to continue that is the question.

>Emery's team is getting older but, under him they have disrupted the top order consistently more than others.

>In order to remain competitive Villa are expected to trade and, before the Europa League win, there was a growing belief the current squad had come to the end of its lifespan.

>That has been challenged since the triumph in Istanbul and while the plan is to add more depth to be able to compete on all fronts, wholesale changes of the protagonists are not expected.

>Although, there has been a previous willingness to allow goalkeeper Emi Martinez to leave, with interest in Manchester City's James Trafford.

>Villa will still need to raise money to comply with Premier League and Uefa financial regulations, with Morgan Rogers the obvious big sale if needed and a top target for Arsenal.

>In terms of incomings, a winger and a right-back, who can also play centre-back, are high on the agenda with Andres Garcia expected to move to Valencia after struggling to make an impact.

>There have also been thoughts about revamping the left-back role with more physicality, while another body in midfield is desired.

>Villa have also been long-term admirers of Newcastle United's Harvey Barnes.

>They would be interested should the Magpies be willing to cut a deal but there is the expectation, after Barnes' 16 goals this season and Anthony Gordon's Barcelona move, he will not be available on the cheap.

>There lies one of the problems for Villa. In order to improve they will need to spend and the recognition is the players who would elevate them would cost at least £40m.

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