Aston Villa's summer transfer plans analysed

Which positions are Aston Villa targeting in the summer transfer window? What has Steven Gerrard said? And what do the stats say? Which positions are Aston Villa targeting?

Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett:

Aston Villa have made a blistering start to this transfer window, with three new players already snapped up. And the spending spree isn't done yet, with Steven Gerrard particularly keen to strengthen his midfield and central defence.

A big chunk of money has already been committed via Philippe Coutinho's wages (who is now the biggest earner at the club) and on the £26m capture of Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.

Villa have also signed a midfielder, in the free transfer of Boubacar Kamara from Marseille. But Gerrard wants more, particularly at the back, with Burnley's James Tarkowski and Rangers' Calvin Bassey key defensive targets.

The new faces are part of a significant squad overhaul, and a big focus will be on selling some of the fringe players. Villa are prepared to consider offers for Morgan Sanson, Trezeguet, Anwar El Ghazi (who has been on loan at Everton) and even Bertrand Traore, who has only had a bit part to play in the last season.

Big question marks remain about the future of Douglas Luiz, who has been linked with a host of big clubs, and stalled on signing a new contract. He only has a year left, so will Villa choose to cash in on him now, for fear of losing him on a free next summer?

Another player with only a year left on his contract is home-grown teenager Carney Chukwuemeka. Villa fans are desperate for him to stay, despite reports in Spain suggesting Barcelona are monitoring his progress.

Decisions have to be made up front as well, with Kienan Davis showing a new lease of life, and playing a key