Morgan Rogers hit a hat-trick and Ollie Watkins showed exactly why Arsenal want to sign him as Aston Villa went through to the last 16 of the Champions League after a 4-2 win over Celtic.

Aston Villa and Chelsea have been locked in transfer talks in recent days, with at least one deal set to be done between the clubs as Unai Emery attempts to close in on his dream target.

Unai Emery has urged his Aston Villa players to become Champions League protagonists ahead of their final league phase match against Celtic on Wednesday.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was asked about Ollie Watkins after being the subject of a shock bid from Arsenal this week

The two clubs are still in with a shot of securing a top eight finish and avoiding the two-legged play-off round

Unai Emery has issued a warning to Arsenal, West Ham and any other club interested in signing Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran before the January transfer window closes. Duran was once again named on Villa’s bench on Sunday as England international Ollie Watkins started the Premier League clash against West Ham.

Unai Emery has challenged his Aston Villa team to finish the job and earn direct qualification for the Champions League last 16 as they prepare for their final game of the league phase against Celtic on Wednesday.

Aston Villa are “very close” to reaching an agreement to sign Villarreal defender Juan Foyth, with Unai Emery’s side going “all out” for the Argentine, according to El Periodico Mediterraneo via Sport Witness.

Aston Villa Manager Unai Emery spoke to the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash between Villa and Celtic. Full Press Conference Courtesy of UEFA.