Steven Gerrard was disappointed with Villa’s 14th placed finish last season and continues to address what he sees were the weak points of his squad.
The Villa boss has been clear that he will not add players to boost numbers but is after adding quality in key positions to take the club up a level next season. There would be few brighter jewels in the market than Gareth Bale but the question as to how he would fit in to Gerrard’s vision for improvement is unclear.
That will not stop the rumours circulating though and here Mirror Sport rounds up that and the rest of the Aston Villa gossip online…
VILLA EYEING BURNLEY FIRE SALE
Villa are reportedly 'monitoring' Burnley and Republic of Ireland defender Nathan Collins, following his relegation to the Championship with Burnley.
Collins, 21, started 18 games in the Premier League last season for Burnley after arriving in a deal worth up to £12.6 million from Stoke City last season. But according to talkSPORT, Leeds United, Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all 'monitoring' the situation of the four-cap Republic of Ireland international.
Villa have already secured the signing of Diego Carlos to bolster their options within the centre of defence. However, with a possible exit mooted for Kortney Hause, Steven Gerrard could look to capitalise on the relegation of Burnley to secure further qualifty reinforcements.
REUNION ON THE CARDS
Aston Villa have reportedly had a £350,000 bid ‘accepted’ for Rangers starlet Rory Wilson according to the Daily Mail.
The striker, 16, has been linked with a move to Villa Park for several months and ended the season with 49 goals for club and country. Wilson had already confirmed that he was intending to leave Ibrox this summer in favour of moving to England. And a hook up with former Ranger boss Gerrard would make sense for all parties.
VILLA JOIN THE BALE TRAIN
Villa could be about to join the queue to offer Gareth Bale a World Cup warm up according a report in The Guardian.
The Wales star is a free agent having been released by Real Madrid and is looking to hold off retirement in order to stay in shape for Qatar. Villa are reported to have joined Nottingham Forest and Newcastle in registering interest in giving him a Premier League club.
Gerrard has done well in reviving Philippe Coutinho whose career had stalled at Barcelona and there is hope he could repeat the trick with Bale.
FOSTER TO ADD EXPEREIENCE
Gerrard is looking to add experience to his goalkeeping squad with a move for free agent Ben Foster being considered according to Marca.
Initial soundings have been favourably received by the veteran keeper who wants to prolong his Premier League career.
With no contract agreed, Foster will depart Watford at the end of this month and has also triggered interest from Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, as per the same report.
TRAORE SET TO MOVE TO TURKEY
Bertrand Traore could be on his way from the midlands.
After an underwhelming season the attacking midfielder has been linked with a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce.
Injury and average contributions from the bench could persuade Gerrard to cash in and seek greater consistency amongst his options in the final third of the pitch.
