Villa Fuelled by UCL Hurt, Set Sights on €40m Striker

John McGinn has voiced the squad's collective pain from narrowly missing out on Champions League football last season, using it as a powerful driver for future success. His comments underscore the club's resilience in competing with financially dominant rivals. Adding to the buzz, Aston Villa is reportedly among the Premier League clubs vying for Bologna's in-demand striker Santiago Castro, potentially signalling a significant €40m investment.

• John McGinn reveals the squad is using the disappointment of last season's Champions League near-miss as motivation.
• McGinn champions Villa's ability to compete with "massive institutions" despite financial disparities.
• Aston Villa is reportedly interested in Bologna striker Santiago Castro, valued at approximately €40m.
• The club's interest in Castro highlights a continued ambition to reinforce the squad with top talent.