Ashley Preece: £158k-p/w reported target is "available", Aston Villa must act now - opinion

Aston Villa are reportedly not plotting a move for Barcelona star Memphis Depay this summer, according to the latest reports.

As per Villa correspondent Ashley Preece – in a Q and A for Birmingham Mail – the Dutchman is not believed to be a player that the Midlands side are targeting in the current window, despite manager Steven Gerrard’s desire to land a new forward.

Asked if there was any truth to the online speculation linking the 28-year-old with a move to Villa Park, the respected source stated: “I’ve had nothing on those Depay links, nor have my colleagues. I’d be really surprised if Villa were to make a move. Player is available, as we know, Spurs have been linked as well. I just can’t see that happening from a Villa point of view, as things stand.”

As Preece alluded to, the former Lyon man – who only arrived at the Camp Nou last year on a free transfer – is seemingly up for sale this summer, amid reports that he is even set to see his number nine shirt relinquished following the arrival of Poland hotshot, Robert Lewandowski.

Although the situation could well change as the window closes, it doesn’t appear at present that Depay is in line to join the Villans, with supporters set to be gutted at not being able to see the £31.5m-rated man in a claret and blue jersey this season.

However, that’s precisely why the decision makers at Villa Park need to act now and as Preece says, spring a “surprise” to bring him to the club. Despite his frustrating situation in Catalonia, the one-time Manchester United man still boasts a respectable record for the La Liga side, having scored 13 goals and provided two assists in 37 games for the club thus far.

That tally includes 12 goals from just 28 league appearances last season –