'Ready to go' - Steven Gerrard in bullish response to speculation surrounding Aston Villa star

Steven Gerrard has stressed how centre-back Ezri Konsa remains "a big part" of Aston Villa amid speculation over his future in B6. The defender - performing below his usual standards this season - was dropped for last week's win over Norwich despite helping to claim a clean sheet at Leicester the week before.

Konsa's form and Gerrard's plan to overhaul Villa's squad this upcoming summer has led to reports that the £12million signing from Brentford could well be moved on ahead of next season. Villa, meanwhile, were extensively linked with German centre-back Matthias Ginter prior to his move to Freiburg last week while, in January, Gerrard did look at bringing in Joe Gomez from Liverpool.

However, putting such speculation over Konsa's future to bed, Gerrard said: "There's nothing to speak about as far as Konsa's concerned. He's a big part of this club and I don't think anyone needs to read any stories about Ezri except that he'll be here for pre-season, will reset and be ready to go."

quizzed the Villa boss about all four of his current centre-backs - Tyrone Mings, Konsa, Calum Chambers and Kortney Hause - and asked if they'll remain in place competing for starts next season. He said: "Look, I think we've got games remaining so we focus on the games and the points that are available but, in terms of every individual, we'll be having conversations with them all.

"We'll be telling them honestly where they are. Things can change at the club in different areas of the team, so it's difficult to say at the moment. We're trying to improve every area of this team. That's the message and that's the headline for you: we're trying to improve every area."

What Gerrard will add this summer will be the right characters. The