"AVFC have been.." - Gregg Evans drops late transfer update, Gerrard surely fuming - opinion

The Athletic’s Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans has revealed the latest information regarding Steven Gerrard’s side’s transfer dealings as the window approaches its deadline.

According to Evans, Villa won’t be signing Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma or Juventus’ Rodrigo Bentancur this month whilst Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is a long-term target.

The journalist tweeted: “AVFC have been after Yves Bissouma since the summer but won’t pay the price BHAFC are asking. Kalvin Phillips is also a long-term target as reported last month.

“Bentancur scouted but couldn’t agree a deal. DM search may now go into next season…”

Gerrard was keen to add a midfielder to his ranks this window with Marvelous Nakamba out injured until April and Douglas Luiz’s future uncertain with Tottenham planning to make a late bid for the Brazilian.

Villa have already made impressive statements by signing Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona and Lucas Digne from Everton as well as adding Calum Chambers to their ranks from Arsenal.

With the Villans in need of a midfielder, not bringing one in this window will surely be a major frustration for both Gerrard and the Villa faithful.

Sat in 11th place in the Premier League, the West Midlands outfit are in limbo. Europe may be slightly out of their grasp with sixth-placed Arsenal ten points better off whilst there are no relegation fears with 18th place Newcastle United 11 points behind.

Alas, the 41-year-old will be keen to oversee a strong second half of the campaign in order to lay down solid foundations to build upon next year in his first full season in charge at Villa Park and not signing a midfielder, particularly with Nakamba out through injury, seems like a foolish decision.

Mis