Newcastle can beat Aston Villa to Liverpool transfer on one condition

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez, but will face competition for his signature in the summer if Steven Gerrard opts to make a move for the England international.

Gomez was said to be of interest to Villa in January, but Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was reluctant to reduce the depth in his squad as the Reds are still fighting to win the Premier League and the Champions League this season.

The 24-year-old started his first Premier League game since November 2020 at the weekend, in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Norwich City.

Due to a knee injury, Gomez missed the majority of last season and has struggled for game time under Klopp this term following the £36million capture of Ibrahima Konate back in May.

Various reports say that Gerrard is ready to return to his former club in order to bring Gomez to Villa Park when the summer transfer window opens.

But The Athletic report that cash-rich Newcastle United will also consider an approach, but only if they remain in the Premier League and avoid relegation.

Gomez currently has two years remaining on his contract, which is typically the period when clubs look to renegotiate deals to protect a player’s transfer value.

So the Reds will have a decision to make in the coming months, to either hand Gomez a new contract or allow the centre-back to move on for a sizeable transfer fee with both Villa and Newcastle said to be in the hunt.