Aston Villa could benefit from potential Premier League ‘exodus’, Gerrard ‘wants’ £30m summer raid

Aston Villa will be looking to make it two wins from two when they come up against in-form Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Steven Gerrard’s men sealed Norwich City’s relegation fate last time out with a 2-0 victory, but could face a tricky task at Turf Moor against a Clarets side who have taken 10 points from their last four matches.

Away from the pitch, there’s plenty to keep an eye on in the gossip columns too, with Villa at the centre of widespread transfer speculation ahead of what is expected to be a relatively busy summer in the Midlands.

With that in mind, here’s a roundup of all the latest news and rumours...

Gerrard still wants Coutinho

Steven Gerrard is still interested in securing a permanent deal for Philippe Coutinho this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Brazilian is currently on loan at Villa Park from Barcelona, and is expected to sold by the Catalan giants at the end of the season.

With seven goal involvements in his first eight matches, Coutinho’s initial contribution for Gerrard’s side was impressive, but since then his form has slumped somewhat, and he has failed to score or assist in any of his last six matches.

Despite his recent downturn, however, it is understood that the 29-year-old has still done enough to convince Villa to pursue a permanent deal.

Speaking on the latest episode of Touchline Talk, Jones said: “He’s already gone off the boil in recent weeks. And that’s where the big issue comes here.

“Like, if they’re going to spend £30m+ on a player, plus £100,000 to £200,000-a-week in wages, he’s got to deliver regularly because they can’t afford to be making mistakes.

“Gerrard, I’m told still wants him, despite the fact that his numbers haven’t been there in the last few games.”

Koulibaly in advanced talks with Barcelona

Aston Villa look as if they could miss out on signing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly this summer.

As per Tutto Mercato Web, Steven Gerrard’s men had been linked with an ambitious swoop for the towering centre-back, who is expected to leave his current employers at the end of the season.

But a fresh update from Spanish publication AS now suggests that Barcelona are ‘closing in’ on a deal for the Senagalese international.

The report claims that a four-year contract has been tabled, with the player seemingly keen on a move.

Negotiations between the Catalan giants and Napoli are going less smoothly, however, with the Serie A side holding out for around £34 million, and refusing to entertain the prospect of a player-plus-cash deal.

Despite those setbacks, however, AS report that talks are at an advanced stage.

Phillips could leave for £30 million

Aston Villa could end up scoring a bargain deal for reported target Kalvin Phillips if Leeds United are relegated in the coming weeks, according to the Daily Mail.

The Whites currently find themselves in a precarious position in the Premier League, and are one of a number of clubs still facing the very real threat of dropping out of the division at the end of the campaign.

If that does happen, it is suggested that they could face an “exodus” of key talents from Elland Road, with several players having relegation clauses written into their contracts.

Among those is Phillips, who could be allowed to leave for as little as £30 million.

It is understood that Leeds have previously valued the England midfielder at closer to £60 million amid widespread interest in his future.