Blow for NSWE: Villa will now miss out on key target after talks; Gerrard was desperate for him

Aston Villa are now unlikely to sign James Tarkowski on a free transfer, with Everton leading the race for his services, according to The Telegraph.

The club haven’t wasted any time in backing Steven Gerrard ahead of his first full season in charge. A permanent move for Philippe Coutinho has already been wrapped up, as has a deal for midfielder Boubacar Kamara, who will officially become a Villa player when his Marseille contract expires at the end of June.

Villa have also reached an agreement with Sevilla for Diego Carlos, but it looks as if NSWE are now set to receive their first transfer blow of the summer with an update on Tarkowski.

Sky Sports revealed in the week that Villa held talks with the Burnley star ahead of a possible move.

Reports even suggested that Gerrard was desperate for the club to get a move over the line, believing there isn’t a better deal to be struck all summer for the soon to be free agent due to his Premier League experience.

However, The Telegraph have now stated that a move to Villa Park is unlikely, with Everton leading the race for the 29-year-old’s signature.

Although Carlos looks set to arrive, it wouldn’t come as a shock if Gerrard wanted further centre-back reinforcements over the summer, especially as they are now set to miss out on Tarkowski.

The futures of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa are reportedly up in the air, so should one depart, Villa would still be left with four senior options.

Liverpool’s Joe Gomez has been a long-term target for Villa, so perhaps the club will look to explore a potential deal once again with Gerrard currently out in Paris for the Reds’ Champions League final.

Rangers defender Calvin Bassey is another rumoured target, and after his impressive end to the