Aston Villa: Gerrard now 'optimistic' of signing £60m star at Villa Park

Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard has ‘fresh optimism’ over his hopes of luring Kalvin Phillips to Villa Park and he could look to complete an ‘early’ deal with Leeds United, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Gerrard was appointed as the Midlands side’s boss last November and, ahead of his first full campaign at the helm, has Phillips in his sights.

Villa and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race to sign Phillips when the transfer window reopens next month.

It is clear that Gerrard is willing to spend a sizeable chunk of his budget on tempting the 26-year-old to Villa Park as it is understood the Midlanders are ready to pay £60million and offer a contract worth £10million-per-year.

Parting with that figure would result in Phillips comfortably becoming the most expensive signing in the club’s entire history.

However, there is additional competition from West Ham United, with Hammers boss David Moyes wanting to reunite the central midfielder with England team-mate Declan Rice, and Manchester United.

West Ham have been long-term admirers of Phillips and had a £50million bid turned down by Leeds in January.

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Jones believes Gerrard may look to beat Phillips’ other suitors to the punch by heading into negotiations quickly.

The transfer insider feels there is a strong possibility that the 19-cap England international will be in a Villa shirt by the time next season gets underway.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I think that Gerrard will have fresh optimism about the chances of signing him.

“I do see this as a realistic one. He knows there’s going to be competition to sign Kalvin Phillips, but there’s no