Johan Lange transfer role, midfield search and Aston Villa exits on the horizon

Aston Villa’s squad of players will fly two hours up the coast to Townsville on Tuesday ahead of game No.2 of their tour Down Under against Brisbane Roar. Steven Gerrard’s men got their Australian series off to a winning start courtesy of a Danny Ings penalty against Leeds.

Here, our man Down Under - Ashley Preece - chews the AVFC fat and talks all things Australia, Gerrard, squad depth, transfer priorities and much, much more. Here’s this week’s Villa Q&A transcript in full, below.

Villa have done well; Olsen, Diego Carlos, Kamara, Coutinho, Augustinsson all top signings for what we need (improving depth and spine). I'd still like a couple more in, especially a midfielder to really challenge what we've got in those No.8 positions. Villa planning a sixth-place jump from 14th to 8th; easier said than done given others investing in their squads. I've got a good feeling, though, about the new season.

Yes, spoke to SG yesterday and he really emphasised his "bloated squad" out here. Outgoings are inevitable, yes. I think that'll be the case before another addition is signed. A few need loan moves, as we know, while it will be hard to demand decent transfer fees for the likes of AEG, Guilbert amongst others.

Didn't quiz him on Watkins but I asked Ings what his relationship was like with OW given the pair are pretty much fighting for a starting shirt each week. Ings didn't give too much away and says they're close pals on and off the pitch. I'm with you, Villa need to have a killer instinct if they're to get to where they want to get to next season. I'd like to see Archer more involved; the kid scores goals and is ice-cold in front of goal. Stiker department will be assessed post-Oz. Still a lot of interest in Keinan