“He's not afraid to do that” – Journalist shares behind-scenes Gerrard claim at Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is ‘not afraid’ to purchase a new striker in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 41-year-old tactician has had a mixed start to his spell in the Villa Park dugout but has already shown his eagerness to make his mark upon the first-team squad.

In the January transfer window, Gerrard oversaw the arrivals of Lucas Digne from Everton and Philippe Coutinho on a short-term loan deal that includes an option to buy from Barcelona.

Meanwhile, former first-choice left-back Matt Targett was allowed to depart on a temporary basis, and there could be several more incomings and outgoings during the summer.

One problem position that could be addressed by Gerrard is up front due to the underwhelming form of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.

Since arriving in the summer via a £25 million move from Southampton, Ings has registered just five goals and four assists in 21 appearances for the Villans across all competitions.

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And Watkins has also struggled to hit the heights expected of him, racking up only eight goal contributions in 24 outings.

The Midlands outfit’s tally of 37 strikes in their 26 Premier League fixtures means they currently have the 9th-most potent attack in the division, and Gerrard may look to address that when the market reopens.

Villa have splashed out over £350m on transfers since returning to the Premier League at the start of 2019/20, showcasing their ambitions in the transfer market and spending power.

And although Jones believes Gerrard wants to give Watkins and Ings a chance to prove their worth, he reckons the retired England star will be willing to