Centre-back shortlist claim

Aston Villa have been one of the busier teams in this transfer window and this looks set to continue as Steven Gerrard searches for reinforcements at centre-back in his squad.

Villa did have Axel Tuanzebe to call upon but he has since cut his third loan spell at the club short, in favour of a move to Napoli for regular first team football.

With the recent injury to Ezri Konsa leaving him a 50/50 decision ahead of the club's fixture with Everton on Saturday, it has highlighted a key issue within the squad which is their reserves in the centre-back position. Kortney Hause has reportedly agreed to a contract extension that will see him extend his stay at the club until 2025.

The issue has clearly been recognised by the hierarchy at the club, with Ekrem Konur reporting that Villa are monitoring the situation of three centre-backs currently.

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Newcastle target Targett

The future of Matt Targett at Aston Villa has been a heavily discussed topic after the club secured the signing of Lucas Digne from Everton.

Digne came into the starting line-up immediately, despite only being at the club a matter of days, suggesting Targett may have fallen out of favour in the eyes of Steven Gerrard.

According to 90min, Newcastle United have enquired as to whether or not they would be able to sign Targett this month.

Targett started 27 games in the 2019/20 season for Villa, when the club escaped relegation by the barest of margins on the last day of the season. He is a player who offers three years of experience in the Premier League and knows how to deal with the pressure of a relegation battle.

The 26-year old has struggled to find consistent form this season, but endeared himself to both the fans and players last season, leading to him being named Players' Player of the Season.

Newcastle could provide him with an escape route as his opportunities at Villa now look limited.

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Nketiah to Villa?

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Arsenal front-man Eddie Nketiah with Steven Gerrard's spending spree set to continue.

The Villa head coach has signed Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Digne and Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen already, whilst highly-rated Scottish defender Kerr Smith has linked up with the club's under-23s.

Villa have reinforced several positions, but Gerrard could still add a new centre-back, a midfielder and a centre-forward.

The club has been linked with a sensational move for ex-Liverpool and Barcelona goal-getter Luis Suarez in the past few days.

Suarez will be available on a free transfer in July once his contract at Atletico Madrid expires and a reunion with Gerrard, whom he played alongside at Anfield, is reportedly on the cards.

But Villa are said to be keen to sign a new striker in this window, and Arsenal's Nketiah is an option. The Athletic claims Nketiah is being 'considered' by Villa.

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Tottenham target ex-Villa man

Tottenham are said to have a ‘serious’ interest in making a January move for former Aston Villa man Jordan Veretout.

The midfielder played for one season at Villa Park after joining from French side Nantes in the summer of 2015.

He made 29 appearances in all competitions in the 2015/16 season, being part of the Villa squad who were relegated to the Championship.

It was revealed that the player had opted to join Villa over Leicester City in the transfer window, with the Foxes going onto lift an unexpected Premier League title that year.

Veretout joined St Etienne on loan the following summer before joining Serie A side Fiorentina in the summer of 2017.

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