Aston Villa: Gerrard wants key signings 'sorted before pre-season' at Villa Park

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard wants to get the ‘base and the spine’ of his team sorted before adding some ‘flair players’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Villans have already announced their first two acquisitions of the upcoming transfer window before its officially opened, indicating a busy summer lies ahead.

Just days after the Midlands outfit revealed Philippe Coutinho’s loan move from Barcelona had been made permanent for £17 million, Boubacar Kamara followed in his footsteps, joining from Marseille as a free agent.

The talented duo will add significant strength to Gerrard’s midfield, but it seems the retired England legend is eager to make further additions through the middle of the pitch.

According to The Times Scotland, Villa are closing in on a deal for the highly-rated Rangers centre-back Calvin Bassey following his outstanding displays domestically and in Europe.

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Gerrard signed the Nigeria international for the Gers from Leicester City back in July 2020 and the pair could be reunited at Villa Park imminently.

Meanwhile, The Athletic have disclosed how Villa are exploring the possibility of bringing Sevilla defender Diego Carlos to the club after his January move to Newcastle United collapsed.

Gerrard is also believed to be keen to bring in a new striker, with former teammate Luis Suarez on his wish list, and Jones believes the 41-year-old tactician is eager to get his top targets in before pre-season.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I think that he wants that sorted before they get to pre-season so that he’s got the base and the spine of his team there.

“So, then he can work around and add a couple of little