Aston Villa upheaval leaves Steven Gerrard with key decision to make

It took just four days for Aston Villa to begin their summer transfer activity with the eye-catching captures of Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos. Last week's double swoop followed the club's announcement that Philippe Coutinho will be sticking around following his loan switch from Barcelona in January as the Brazilian became a permanent member of Steven Gerrard's squad.

That's £42million spent on transfer fees before the window has even opened. So what can we take from the club's early business? Is another summer of serious spending on the cards or has Johan Lange and Co stolen a march on the club's European-chasing competitors... well, probably both.

Another centre-back, more full-back cover, midfield depth and possibly another striker are all on Gerrard's wish list as the Villa head coach aims to supplement his team before the start of pre-season in the coming weeks. But, for now, the club will look to shift a couple of fringe players out the door with the likes of Matt Targett, Trezeguet, Keinan Davis, Anwar El Ghazi, Frederic Guilbert and Lovre Kalnic set to leave the club. The likes of Bertrand Traore and Morgan Sanson could also raise some handy funds for Gerrard's budget.

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It all seemed plain sailing a few days ago, three top signings and finally a hassle-free pre-season to look forward to. But Villa weren't going to get away with that, were they? Michael Beale, Gerrard's trusted assistant, is off to QPR which comes as a huge blow for the club and the backroom team.

The brains behind the operation if you like, Beale has long been considered as one of the best in the business. A coach that has invested in his own