Aston Villa's potential starting line-up as Steven Gerrard targets summer transfer window

Steven Gerrard will once again receive the backing of the Aston Villa board this summer as he looks to shape his squad - and here is what his starting lineup could look like next season.

Gerrard's transfer business so far as Villa boss has been canny, with deals for Lucas Digne, Philippe Coutinho (loan), Calum Chambers and Robin Olsen in January all regarded as good business.

However, there are several areas Villa still need to strengthen, such as midfield and defence, and this is business likely to be pursued in the summer.

Here are several deals that could be pursued...

Coutinho has been a revelation since his arrival on loan from Barcelona, as shown again by his stellar performance in the 4-0 win over Southampton yesterday.

Villa reportedly have an option to complete a permanent deal for around £33 million in summer, and seem certain to do everything in their power to ensure this is completed. That said, it has been reported they will look to lower the initial fee for the 29-year-old to capitalise on financially-challenged Barcelona's desperation for hard cash.

Villa have been repeatedly linked with defensive midfield players after an injury to Marvelous Nakamba soon after Gerrard's arrival at Villa Park.

A decent option here could be a player available on a free transfer this summer, Marseille's 22-year-old midfield enforcer Boubacar Kamara. The Frenchman is capable of playing in the backline, but is most commonly deployed in a defensive midfielder role.

He could be exactly what Steven Gerrard is looking for, but he is not the only one with Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United all being linked with Kamara too.

Jeunesfooteux.com are reporting that Gerrard "greatly appreciates" Kamara