Aston Villa are reportedly weighing up a summer move for Kalvin Phillips if Leeds Utd are relegated this season, while contract talks are being held with Ashley Young.
Villa’s more immediate focus will be on finishing this Premier League season well, and subsequently then go into the summer transfer window in a strong position to continue to improve Steven Gerrard’s squad.
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However, it appears as though there are perhaps plans and strategies being put in place already in terms of potential signings and who to keep on in the current squad, with Phillips reemerging as a transfer target.
Villa tipped to make Kalvin Phillips move
As per The Athletic, it’s reported that Villa have set their sights on Phillips, with discussions taking place between Johan Lange and Gerrard about making a move for the Leeds and England midfielder in the event that his current club are relegated from the Premier League this season.
It’s suggested that they feel he becomes a more realistic option in that event, and while Villa certainly need to bring in a defensive midfielder this summer to add solidity and presence in that area of the pitch, time will tell if it’s Phillips who emerges as the most realistic solution.
Gerrard discusses Ashley Young contract talks
Meanwhile, as noted by The Express and Star, Gerrard has also been speaking about Young’s future at the club, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old stalwart has been an important part of the squad this year, making 17 appearances across all competitions in total, with his experience and versatility undoubtedly proving to be crucial to Villa.
With that in mind, it would make sense to try and extend his stay at the club to help us continue to become more competitive, and Gerrard has made it clear where he stands on the situation as he awaits for further developments in the coming months.
“I have made it nice and clear to Ash I want him to stay around. Ash seems to be be enjoying it. With any decision the player has to want to stay,” he said, as per the report above. “He has to be happy, he obviously has to negotiate and have his people connect with the club. There are still a lot of things to discuss moving forward.
“There is no rush on it as far as I am concerned but at the same time I want to make it clear we are delighted with him and the job he has done for us so far.”
