Aston Villa: Gerrard's next transfer priority identified at Villa Park

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is likely to want to sign a striker who is at least 30 years old, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 41-year-old tactician has already signed a number of experienced players during his short time at the club and looks set to maintain that transfer policy this summer.

Under former boss Dean Smith, Villa’s blueprint in the transfer market was to sign players under the age of 25 who had resale value, protecting the club financially.

However, after three consecutive Premier League campaigns, there has clearly been a shift in policy since Gerrard’s arrival with the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Digne and Calum Chambers all arriving.

Within days of his switch from Glasgow giants Rangers, Gerrard identified a lack of accomplished “game-ready” stars in their late 20s as a key issue to address. 

And the retired England legend appears to be keen to continue adding more players in their prime ahead of next season in order to build on a solid if unspectacular opening six months at the helm.

Diego Carlos, 29, is the latest high-profile arrival after completing a £26 million move from Sevilla, bolstering Villa’s options at centre-back.

Gerrard is also expected to sign a new striker this summer, and when asked if the likes of Patrik Schick and Alexander Isak could be on Villa’s radar, Jones informed GiveMeSport that he believes an older marksman will be targeted.

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He told GMS: “They’re expensive. I don’t know if Aston Villa are going to go and spend £50 odd million on a striker, and they’re quite young.

“I would expect that he wants somebody who might be 30 upwards, to be honest, who has been around for a little while