Aston Villa summer transfer list and key issues Christian Purslow must address

It's all pointing towards another big summer of change at Villa Park as Steven Gerrard embarks on his first full season at Aston Villa. In Villa's last two defeats to West Ham and Arsenal, Gerrard has outlined how Villa are currently "lacking a certain profile" of player while, against the Gunners, hit out at some for "lacking belief" in carrying out his game plan.

Gerrard, 41, will be backed by his boss Christian Purslow this summer with the pair tasked with driving the Villa ship back into Europe on behalf of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens. Villa will target European qualification in May 2023.

Ahead of the summer, here's some of what needs to happen and some issues to iron out before attention turns to 2022/23. You can have your say in the comments section here.

The permanent signing's a must, isn't it? understands there's every hope the little magician puts pen to paper on a permanent deal with Villa poised to trigger their £33million option courtesy of Barcelona. Gerrard wants to build around the diminutive playmaker next term and sees him a valuable cog to get Villa moving up the table. The stumbling block, as we know, will be Coutinho's wage packet but, given just how well he's settled, then there's a feeling he'll commit his future to Villa as the season reaches its conclusion.

Gerrard has spoken of his desire to keep Young for another season. The boss sees him as a crucial piece of his jigsaw behind the scenes at Bodymoor Heath given the standards he sets. Young, 36, will have offers in the summer knowing he'll become a free agent on June 30. The ball's in his court here with Villa keen to extend his stay by another year.

Two goals for England's under-19s last night provided Villa with a timely reminder of