Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has said he fears his side's 1-0 defeat to AS Monaco on Tuesday may have cost them their chance to finish in the top eight of the Champions League.

Ollie Watkins started the game in attack for the visitors before being joined by Jhon Duran, but Unai Emery admitted his move backfired

Aston Villa 's Champions League qualification fate will go down to the final league phase match after they lost 1-0 at Monaco. Unai Emery's side could have put one foot in the last 16 had they emerged from the Principality with victory, but they succumbed to Wilfried Singo's early goal and were unable to find a way back.

"Getting top eight is very important as we play fewer matches and we can try to enjoy it and compete at our best, individually and collectively. "But it will be very difficult."

Villa's hopes of going straight through to the Champions League round of 16 have taken a hit after they were beaten by Adi Hutter's side

According to reports, Aston Villa could yet step away from their pursuit to sign one particular reinforcement.

Aston Villa could make another offensive signing before the January transfer window shuts despite the arrival of Donyell Malen, Fabrizio Romano has told GIVEMESPORT. Malen joined Villa from Borussia Dortmund for an initial £21 million fee (£27.