Spanish coach Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa, has become one of the candidates to take over coaching Atletico Madrid if Argentine coach Diego Simeone departs.

Reports have indicated doubts about Simeone's continuation with Atletico Madrid, after he failed again to lead the team to win the UEFA Champions League title, and the team exited without titles for the fifth consecutive season.

According to the British newspaper 'Daily Mail', Emery is widely praised for his impact with Aston Villa, as his work with the team has attracted the attention of several major European clubs.

The report added that Atletico Madrid's interest in potentially contracting Emery comes after he entered the list of candidates to coach Real Madrid.

Emery is 54 years old and is under contract with Aston Villa until the summer of 2029.