Steven Gerrard reveals key Aston Villa transfer priority after 'timing wasn't right' in January

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is remaining patient as he continues his rebuild of the West Midlands club.

And the former Rangers gaffer has revealed a long-term priority that he hopes will unlock John McGinn's full potential.

Gerrard ended a run of no Premier League wins in five matches by defeating doomed Norwich City 2-0 at the weekend with strike duo Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings both on the scoresheet.

But it was Scotland talisman McGinn who the manager picked out for special praise.

And Gerrard wants to find a defensive-minded player – a 'No.6' in modern football parlance – alongside him to give McGinn extra freedom in attack.

18-year-old Tim Iroegbunam played the role on Saturday as he replaced Douglas Luiz in the starting line-up.

But on McGinn, Gerrard said: "He knows the game. We want John to still have that licence to go forward, that’s on him to make as many runs as he can. He’s got that freedom, we want him to get shots in the box and to arrive.

"We’re pretty open minded about how John wants to play in our system but we’re delighted to have him, he’s an asset for us.

"John likes to be a bit more of a free spirit. It was a priority in the last window to make a (number) six happen but we couldn’t possibly do that.

"It wasn’t right, the timing wasn’t right.

"So we have to be patient for the right thing in the long run."