Aston Villa ‘close in’ on ex-Bundesliga star as Steven Gerrard ‘approves’ exit ahead of Australia trip

Aston Villa are now up and running in pre-season with a win under their belts.

Steven Gerrard’s men started their summer fixtures with a 4-0 win over Walsall with Leon Bailey, Cameron Archer, Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz all on target.

There is plenty of work still to do, but Villa will already be feeling confident ahead of the new season, especially with the new signings secured this summer.

The Lions haven’t held back in adding to their squad in this window, and they may not be done yet, with plenty of time left to do business.

With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Villa Park.

Augustinsson latest

Villa could be set to land Ludwig Augustinsson on a loan deal.

According to Mucho Deporte, the left-back is on his way of Sevilla this summer, but he is only expected to leave on a temporary deal.

According to report, Villa are willing to pay £422,700 as a loan fee to land Augustinsson on a season-long deal.

There could also be an option to buy involved in the deal, and Sevilla are not likely to object, with the left-back not impressing since his arrival last year.

Villa could take advantage to add depth at left-back this summer.

Loan Exit

Gerrard also needs to trim his squad this summer, and he has decided to send Viljami Sinisalo out on loan.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper is headed to Burton Albion in a bid to get valuable first team experience.

That’s according to Birmingham Live, who say Gerrard approved the deal ahead of jetting off to Australia for Villa’s pre-season trip.

Sinisalo is yet to make a league appearance for Villa, and this will be his second successive season out on loan following a loan spell with Ayr United last season.