"I understand" - Insider reveals Gerrard transfer "plan" to take Aston Villa to "next level"

Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard has set his sights on welcoming a new leader to Villa Park ahead of next season, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Gerrard was appointed as the Midlands club’s boss last November and could see the summer window as the ideal opportunity to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited from Dean Smith.

According to Sky Sports, Villa have expressed an interest in central defender Matthias Ginter and are hoping to beat a host of clubs to his signature.

The report suggests Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have also scouted the 46-cap Germany international, whose Borussia Monchengladbach contract is due to expire in the summer.

While Villa would not have to part with a transfer fee for Ginter, they will have to splash the cash for Leeds United central midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who has been identified by Gerrard as a key target.

It is understood that Villa are the frontrunners to sign Phillips and are ready to fork out £60million as well as offer a wage package worth in the region of £10million per season.

Liverpool centre-half Joe Gomez, it has been reported, is Gerrard’s number one priority ahead of the summer window.

Man City’s CHEATING REVEALED! Find out more on The Football Terrace…

Jones understands that Gerrard has made securing the services of a leader a key component of his transfer plans.

The journalist also feels Gerrard is eager to welcome a new midfielder who can push Villa towards European football.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “From what I understand, part of his plan is to sign a leader for this side and to sign somebody that pulls the strings.

“In terms of a midfielder, Gerrard doesn’t see that they’ve got that person that can take them to the next level