Liverpool 'ask' for £30m so Aston Villa and Newcastle United can seal transfer

Aston Villa will reportedly have a battle to secure the services of Joe Gomez if they make a move for the Liverpool defender in the summer.

Reports in the Spanish press claim that Newcastle United are set to end their interest in Real Madrid defender Nacho in favour of a move for Gomez.

Gomez has been heavily linked with a move to Villa since Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard took over from Dean Smith at Villa Park in November.

Villa could look to sign a centre-back in the summer despite bringing in Calum Chambers from Arsenal in January, with the defender able to fill in as a midfielder.

Ezri Konsa may be the focus of intense summer transfer interest and Gerrard has already shown his ruthless streak in bringing in Lucas Digne to replace Matt Targett, who subsequently left for Newcastle on loan on transfer deadline day.

Gomez was a regular for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool before injuring his knee in November 2020 while on international duty with England.

He has since returned to fitness but the form of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip is keeping Gomez out of the team.

Spanish media outlet Nacional reports that Gomez, who is under contract at Liverpool until 2024, will cost around £25 million for any team that wants to buy him and that Newcastle are now keen.

Gomez, still only 24, has been told to keep the faith at Liverpool with Klopp admitting his surprise at the player's positive attitude at being on the fringes of his squad.

"With the quality of Joe, if I had it, I would be difficult to deal with," Klopp said.

"“Everyone loves Joey and with his injury, Covid at the wrong time, he didn’t get rhythm.

" I am really happy with his performance (against Norwich City), I was pleased with him."