Preece says Gerrard eyes Hayden as Guilbert replacement

Frederic Guilbert doesn’t appear to have a future at Aston Villa despite reporting for pre-season training at Bodymoor Heath and Ashley Preece has given an update for Birmingham Live on Steven Gerrard’s plans for the 27-year-old which all but ends his hopes of playing for the Midlands outfit again.

Preece says Gerrard is ‘keen to promote’ Kaine Kesler Hayden next season at Guilbert’s expense. The 19-year-old has risen through the youth ranks to the fringes of the first-team, making 23 appearances for the U18s and 20 appearances for the U23s.

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Hayden has made one appearance at senior level, playing against Liverpool in the FA Cup (January 2021) and putting in a good performance. He was loaned out to Swindon Town (2021/22) and MK Dons (2021/22) off the back of that showing, making 21 appearances in League Two and 17 appearances in League One respectively.

Hayden has made appearances for England at U20 level too, so it makes sense that Gerrard feels he can make the step up to be Matty Cash’s deputy. It’s bad news for Guilbert, though he’s been surplus to requirements for some time, so a move away this summer would suit all parties.

In other news, Steven Gerrard should avoid signing Moise Kean