Steven Gerrard’s comments on Alexandre Lacazette explain Aston Villa transfer claims

Alexandre Lacazette is the latest big name forward to be linked with a transfer to Aston Villa.

The appointment of Steven Gerrard has put Villa in the frame to land some huge names, and the January arrival of Philippe Coutinho proved the head coach's pulling power.

Villa have been linked with Luiz Suarez, who played alongside Gerrard and Coutinho at Liverpool and becomes a free agent in July.

Arsenal striker Lacazette also becomes free to sign in the summer and a new contract at The Emirates doesn't appear to be in the offing.

Turkish outlet Sporx reports Villa have joined Lyon and Besiktas in the race to land the 30-year-old on a free transfer.

Lacazette has scored three times in 16 appearances in the Premier League this season, and boasts a record of 44 in 153 in total since joining Arsenal from Lyon in 2017.

Sporx claims Lacazette is hoping to secure a salary of £5million per season, which Besiktas have thus far been unwilling to agree to.

Villa could be in the market for a new striker in the summer, and Gerrard has previously spoken highly of 30-year-old Lacazette.

Shortly after Arsenal acquired Lacazette from Lyon in 2017, Gerrard - who was working as a pundit for BT Sport at the time - said: "They've added Lacazette and he looks a real buy, for me.

"They spent a lot of money on him but I've watched him a bit this season and he's started with a bang.

"His movement in the box is excellent and he only needs one chance to score a goal."

Gerrard currently only has two senior strikers available to him at Villa Park in Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, with Wesley, Keinan Davis and Cameron Archer all currently out on loan.