Aston Villa: Gerrard factor 'might appeal' to £60m target at Villa Park

Aston Villa could win the race for Kalvin Phillips’ signature as working under Steven Gerrard at Villa Park ‘might appeal’ to the Leeds United midfielder, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Gerrard took over as Villa’s head coach in November and led the Midlands giants to a 14th place finish in the Premier League, but it appears he has set his sights on bolstering his midfield with Phillips.

Villa and Newcastle United have emerged as the frontrunners for Phillips’ services ahead of the transfer window reopening for business next month.

However, Villa may have the upper-hand as it is understood that they are willing to part with £60million in order to strike a deal with Leeds, while they could also offer the 26-year-old a bumper contract worth £10million-per-year.

Forking out that sum of money would result in Phillips comfortably becoming the Midlands outfit’s club-record signing, while they have already drafted in a central midfielder by agreeing a deal which will see Boubacar Kamara head to Villa Park after his Marseille contract expires next month.

But Gerrard is facing further competition from West Ham United – who failed with a £50million bid in January – and Manchester United for Phillips.

The 19-cap England international has also been ear-marked as Manchester City’s top target to replace the departing Fernandinho.

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O’Rourke believes having Gerrard at the helm could play into Villa’s hands as they look to lure Phillips to the Midlands.

The journalist reckons there is a distinct possibility that Phillips may feel he would improve under the tutelage of the former central midfielder.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I think the chance to maybe