Gerrard can land his own De Ligt as Villa plot move for "technical" £15.3m-rated gem - opinion

Aston Villa may have already wrapped up four major summer deals, although there is no suggestion that that is the end of their transfer business, with manager Steven Gerrard seemingly intent on revamping his squad ahead of next term.

Recent reports have thrown up one name who could well be added to that this of successful transfer activity in the current window, with AC Milan centre-back Alessio Romagnoli seemingly of interest to those at Villa Park, as well as fellow Premier League outfit, Newcastle United.

That clamour for his signature is unsurprising considering the 27-year-old is seemingly set to be available on a free transfer this summer following the expiry of his current contract, seven years on from having made the move to the San Siro from AS Roma.

The £15.3m-rated Italy international has racked up 247 appearances for the Serie A giants in that time, netting ten goals and providing three assists, while also notably playing his part as Stefano Pilo’s side claimed a first league title in 11 years back in May.

While both injury and the form of the likes Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu restricted the 12-cap gem to just 19 top-flight appearances in that title-winning campaign, he still averaged an impressive 2.3 clearances, 1.3 tackles and one interception per game, while also winning an impressive 68% of his total duels.

Dubbed “one of the best defenders in the world” by former Milan sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli a few years ago, Romagnoli also been the subject of praise from youth coach Sandro Tovalieri, who described him as an “elegant, very technical” defender.

Amid doubts over the future of current Villa skipper Tyrone Mings,  the £106k-per-week warrior could be the man to fill the Englishman’s