Villa have already added the likes of Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Jadon Philogene, Samuel Iling-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea and Ross Barkley to their ranks this summer, having also sold Moussa Diaby, Douglaz Luiz, Cameron Archer and Tim Iroegbunam. However, Villa may not be quite finished in the transfer window yet.
Sterling has reportedly been offered to Villa, having been outcasted by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who even stripped him of the No.7 shirt and handed it to new arrival Pedro Neto. Meanwhile, Toney, who was linked with a move to Villa Park in July by TeamTalk, could be looked at again before Friday's deadline. Express Sport has a look at what Villa's starting XI could look like after the window shuts.
GK. Emiliano Martinez, RB. Joe Gomez, RCB. Ezri Konsa, LCB. Pau Torres, LB. Ian Maatsen
Villa have also been linked with a £35million move for versatile Liverpool defender Joe Gomez. He was included in Gareth Southgate's England squad at Euro 2024 with Konsa. However, he appears to be No.4 in Arne Slot's pecking order at centre-half, as the Dutchman opted to deploy Jarrell Quansah next to Virgil van Dijk, before hauling the youngster off to bring on Ibrahima Konate.
Gomez offers extra height and defensive solidity when deployed at either right-back or left-back, and he also has plenty of experience when deployed in central defence.
Meanwhile, Maatsen, who was signed from Chelsea for £37.5m, offers the extra dynamism and attacking thrust on the left. He played a huge role in Jhon Duran's winning goal in the 2-1 victory at West Ham in their first game of the season.
Gomez could also join the club (Image: Getty)
Midfield
RM. Leon Bailey, RCM. Amadou Onana, LCM. John McGinn, LM. Raheem Sterling
Onana already has Villa fans onside following his move from Everton, after heading home their first goal of the season during the victory over West Ham. The Belgian looks set to form a frightening midfield partnership with John McGinn.
On the wings, Leon Bailey has proven to be one of Villa's most prolific dangermen when cutting onto his left foot from the right, while Sterling has made a career from drifting inside from the left. Villa proved to be a hugely dangerous counter-attacking side last season, and with both Sterling and Bailey on the flanks, opposition teams would be in trouble.
Sterling would also bring plenty of invaluable experience in the Champions League. He has contributed 44 goal contributions in 82 Champions League appearances with Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. A loan could be the best way for Villa to explore a deal, given Sterling still has three years left on his contract and is on high wages.
Sterling would add extra quality to Emery's wide options (Image: Getty)
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Despite both being behind Harry Kane in the pecking order still, Toney and Watkins were two of England's stars of Euro 2024. Toney made an impact off the bench, assisting Kane's winner against Slovakia, and he scored a penalty in the shootout against Switzerland, while Watkins came on and scored the winning goal in the Three Lions' victory over the Netherlands in the semi-final.
The pair would be a lethal partnership in the Premier League and the Champions League. Toney prefers to play in a front two, while Watkins likes to dart in behind defenders instead of holding up the ball.
Their strengths would compliment each other. Toney – valued at £50m by Brentford – was linked with a move to Villa during Euro 2024 as a potential alternative to Jhon Duran. It remains to be seen if the Colombian will be moved on before Friday, having come close to joining West Ham before scoring the winner against them at the London Stadium.
Brentford are still looking to sell Toney due to his contract running out next summer, and he didn't feature in the matchday squad at Liverpool on Sunday. He appears to prefer a move to another Premier League club instead of a switch to Saudi Arabia too.
