"Seriously": talkSPORT reporter drops big Aston Villa claim involving Steven Gerrard

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook reckons that Aston Villa could become a force under Steven Gerrard next season.

Villa enjoyed a productive first transfer window under Gerrard, making no less than four signings to bolster their chances of improving on their 11th place finish last season.

With Gerrard at the helm, Villa were always likely to start being linked with more high-profile names, and it didn’t take long for that to prove the case. Under Dean Smith, they made some impressive signings, with the likes of Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings all coming in.

But the calibre of names went up a notch following Gerrard’s arrival and the first of those saw his former Liverpool teammate Philippe Coutinho join on loan for the rest of the season from Barcelona. Villa were unlikely to top the Brazilian, but they would complete more impressive business as the January window wore on.

Lucas Digne was the next to sign following his fall-out with Rafael Benitez at Everton, while Robin Olsen was brought in as a backup goalkeeper to Emiliano Martinez and Calum Chambers rounded off a fine first window for Gerrard.

The new arrivals have already made an impact on the pitch, with Gerrard’s side claiming a point from 2-0 down against Manchester United before they beat Everton in their final game before the winter break.

Despite Gerrard steadying the ship, Villa are still 10 points behind the top six and aren’t likely to be involved in the conversation for European football unless they win the majority of their 17 remaining games.

But Crook reckons that with another transfer window behind him, plus a full pre-season with his squad, Villa could be a force to be reckoned with in 2022-2023.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think the window shows