Aston Villa decide on ‘transfer window priority’ as Luis Suarez sets clear criteria for his next club

Aston Villa can now put their feet up after a season of two halves.

Villa got off to a disastrous start, losing fan favourite boss Dean Smith as a result, but they picked up after the appointment of Steven Gerrard.

A comfortable 14th place finish followed, and Villa can look forward to another season in the Premier League.

Gerrard will take charge of his first full season in charge next term, and he will be desperate to put his own mark on this squad over the summer.

The Lions have already moved to keep Philippe Coutinho, while midfielder Boubacar Kamara will join on a free transfer from Marseille.

Villa will want to build on that early business with more incomings, and here we round up all the latest transfer news and rumours.

Gerrard’s priority

Villa have already achieved two of their objectives in the transfer window, but their next priority does not revolve around an incoming.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, all concentration is now being placed on keeping star striker Ollie Watkins at the club, following the signing of Kamara.

“I asked yesterday morning and the answer I received was that Steven Gerrard is now fighting to keep Ollie Watkins at the club, there are many clubs interested like West Ham,” Romano told the Que Golazo Podcast.

“But Gerrard is desperate to keep him, that is the mission for now, and then we will see for new signings, but it will be a nice summer and Kamara is a top signing,” Romano said.

Suarez latest

Luis Suarez has opened up on his future amid links with Villa.

The Uruguayan forward will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of his contract, and he is already free to agree a transfer,

There has been talk of a move to Villa, but the striker told El Larguero that he has not decided anything.

“Trust me, I’ve not decided where I’m gonna play next season. I’ve received many proposals,” he said.

“Clubs from Argentina, Brazil and Mexico approached me but I want to play at a top competitive level again. I’m focused on European football.”