"No doubt": Transfer insider drops big claim ahead of Gerrard's "most important signing" at AVFC

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is desperate to bolster his central midfield options this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Villans look almost certain to be competing in the Premier League again next season, giving Gerrard the chance to look ahead to how he can strengthen his team ahead of next term.

The Midlands club have been linked with a few high-profile names in recent months to improve their midfield.

Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips is a name that has been mentioned, with Villa reportedly willing to pay £60m for the England international.

Meanwhile, Villa also made an offer for Yves Bissouma in January, but this was knocked back by Brighton.

Gerrard appears to have his eye on Atletico Madrid’s Geoffrey Kondogbia as well, having personally gone to watch the 29-year-old play against Manchester City recently.

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Gerrard thrived as a central midfielder at Liverpool for over 15 years during his playing days, and Jones believes he wants to add someone to his squad that can bring similar energy and drive to Villa.

When asked if Gerrard is desperate to sign a midfielder as this was the position he flourished in, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I think there’s a bit of bias. There’s no way you can leave your past in the past when you’re someone like Steven Gerrard, and there’s always going to be a part of you that wants to recreate what you were able to bring to a team, in a side that you’re building.

“So, there’ll definitely be an element of that, and he’ll see it as the most important signing in his team, no doubt about it.”

It has been reported that Gerrard is not completed convinced by captain Tyrone Mings at the back, and wants to sign a central