Gerrard gets his wish, worrying news for duo: Sky journalist drops big AVFC claim - opinion

According to Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg, Aston Villa are interested in signing Matthias Ginter this summer.

Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Ginter revealed earlier this campaign that he will not extend his contract with the Foals, and will move on a free transfer at the end of the campaign. A number of clubs have been linked with the Germany international, including Bayern Munich and Juventus.

Now, it appears Villa have thrown their hat into the ring. As per Plettenberg, Gerrard wants to bring in the former Borussia Dortmund man, and Villans officials have contacted his management. Ginter, it is added, has not yet decided and is waiting for other options.

What impact would a potential Ginter move to Villa have? Read on as we delve deeper.

Ex-Rangers boss Gerrard is said to want to bring in Champions League-level players, and the arrival of Philippe Coutinho shows the club back him.

Bringing in £21.6m-valued Ginter would further fulfil Gerrard’s demands. The 28-year-old has 21 Champions League appearances to his name for Mönchengladbach and Dortmund – more than the majority of the Villa squad – while he has also picked up 46 caps for Germany and was part of the group that won the 2014 World Cup.

German legend Lothar Matthaus has even previously compared Ginter to Sergio Ramos, which is high praise indeed coming from someone who featured in three consecutive World Cups.

Ginter’s capture would be a real statement of intent, of that there is no doubt.

Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa has been the most common partnership at the heart of the back four so far this campaign. With the league’s 11th-best defence – including nine goals conceded in the last four games – there is certainly room for improvement,